Canada

Oh, Canada! The best time to visit is summer, when the entire country comes alive. After a long winter hibernation, the people, and flora and fauna are ready to bust out and celebrate the sunshine. So get amongst it, whether chatting to surfers on Victoria Island or spotting moose in The Rockies, it’s your moment to relax and recharge.

Winter (Dec –Feb)
Canada is the original winter wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders will head directly to Whistler to carve up the Canadian slopes. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry ground, be charmed by the Gothic snow-topped roofs of Montreal… but be prepared to wear thermals: in some areas, temperatures can be low as -36 degrees. If seeking a White Christmas, a Globus Christmas in Canada is just the ticket.

Spring (Mar – May)
Ah, breathe deeply. Winter is over and as the snow melts, an entirely new landscape emerges. This is an exciting time in Canada; animals who have hidden from the cold brave the outdoors in Ontario again. Likewise, Vancouver locals creep out of heated homes and Stanley Park bustles with life again. But weather can be unpredictable, so pack for anything and everything. You don’t want something like weather to get in the way of Living It Up.

Summer (June  - Aug)
Not only is it ideal weather, but Canada in summer is an event and festival bonanza. Bears take their poised positions to catch the salmon as they run upstream. The Calgary Stampede kicks off, literally, with a rodeo. The Festival de Jazz de Montreal attracts thousands of global jazz artists. Whether toe tapping or cowboy-hat wearing, summer in Canada is the perfect place to Go Live It Up with Globus.

Autumn (Sept – Nov)
The visual brilliance of Canada in Autumn will take your breath away. In Vancouver, nip into the Butchart Gardens, where the Japanese Garden is layered with vibrant maples and golden chrysanthemums. Moving East, The Rockies are alive with alive with gold aspen leaves, while in Ontario cedar trees boast fiery tones. Tones intensify as you had East and Quebec pops with the dazzling colours of sugar maples, dancing across the spectrum from yellow to orange to red. Temperatures are ideal for being outside, so breathe in the scent of turning foliage, crunch leaves underfoot, and leave feeling refreshed after an Autumn tour to Canada. 

With the rich histories of the first nations people, as well as a blend of European and migrant cultures, Canada is a melting pot of cultural diversity. In Montreal, you might ask for a steamé, a lovely mélange of both the French and English language. And it refers to the humble hot dog. Steamed. Doesn’t everything sound better in French? However, nothing brings Canadians of different backgrounds together like their national game. If you’d like to strike up a conversation with a Canadian, ask them which ice hockey team they support. There is nothing more holy than the Puck.

French and English are both official languages of Canada, and depending on which part of the country you visit will dictate which is the preferred of the two. French won't get you far in Vancouver, but it will go a long way in Quebec. Take the opportunity to practice your French by ordering a cafe au lait in Montreal and thanking your waiter with a merci beaucoup.

Canadians are known as being some of the most polite people in the world and their country is one of the safest, too. That being said, like anywhere you go, keep your valuables out of sight and your bags closed and close to you. While no specific immunisations are required for Canada, a pre-departure visit to your GP doesn’t go astray – they’ll let you know what you should take with you in case of illness. Also, be sure to visit http://smartraveller.gov.au for current safety and travel information.

Unlike Australia, Canada uses 110-120 volt power, so you may need a voltage converter, usually for appliances that heat up such as hair dryers and straighteners, However, you’ll definitely need a plug adaptor. Canada uses the same adaptors as the USA, which is a flat 2 or 3 prong plug. It’s better to have a two-prong adaptor which will fit either. A universal adaptor, that converts Australian plugs to fit any outlet globally, will make your life easier. Or you can carry individual adaptors for each country. Country specific adaptors can be bought individually or in set, which is great if you’re going to more than one place, and don’t want to travel with a universal adaptor. It can be difficult to find adaptors for Australian appliances once you leave Australia, so make sure you have what you need before you leave home. Adaptors are easy to find at here. Department stores, electronic stores, luggage stores, large chemists and many stores at Australian airports carry them.

Canada, like the USA, employs a tipping system that can confound and confuse mathematically challenged visitors. A general rule is between 15 - 20% for bartenders or waiters. Globus also covers many gratuities, but iIf in doubt, your in-the-know Tour Director will clue you in.

Australian and New Zealand citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to get into Canada by air. This can be filled out online and needs to be printed and presented at Customs. Check www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start.asp. There are some exemptions if you are arriving by bus, train or boat, so be sure to check with Globus if you’ll require an ETA for Canada. We strongly recommend travel insurance, because the real travel magic happens when you’re worry free. We hope you don’t lose a bag or need a doctor (that’s not in our travel plan either!) but if the worst happens it’s good to have backup. Travel insurance is an easy way to take the worry out of travelling, so you can Go Live It.

Canada isn’t the type of country you can simply watch pass by. It begs you to dive in and explore, tempting you with mouthwatering cuisine on Vancouver’s Granville Island (candied salmon, anyone?), making new equine friends at the Mounties’ horse stables in Quebec or enjoying Lake Louise, whether that be soaking up its emerald waters in summer and snow-capped mountains in winter. Don’t just see it, Go Live It Up.