Practical Information

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) keeps you up to date on weather, seasons and time zones across Canada. Read up on Canada's health services, phone system and public holidays. Get practical advice on visa and passport requirements, duty-free shopping and money matters. Learn where to mail a letter or access the Internet. It's all here at your fingertips.

Passports & Visas

Start here for updated information on visa and passport requirements for U.S. and other international visitors to Canada.

Embassies & Consulates

Canada hosts numerous embassies, consulates and high commissions that provide assistance to foreign travellers. Find the contact information you need here.

Health & Medical

Pick up travel insurance tips, learn about Canada's top-notch hospital and medical services as well as how to access emergency services and more.

Mail, Phone & Internet

Find out about local and long-distance calling, using your mobile/cell phone in Canada, mailing parcels and letters, and where to get Internet and e-mail access so you're never out of touch.

Public Holidays

See a complete list of federal and provincial holidays and celebrations to help plan your visit.

Weather & Seasons

Check out the seasonal climate and temperatures across the country to decide your ideal time to visit—ski season, beach season or in time to catch a famous festival.

Time Zones

Check out the current times in Canada's six different time zones.

Currency & Money

Learn about exchanging money in Canada, using credit cards and bank machines, calculating sales tax and visitor rebates, common tipping practices and how to use the handy currency converter.

Accommodations

From lakeside resorts and wilderness lodges to family campgrounds and grand hotels, begin your search for inviting places to stay here and find out where to book online.

Retail & Shopping

Get details about shopping hours across the country and links to some of Canada's trendy and most vibrant shopping hot spots.

Customs & Duty Free

Here we list the requirements for bringing in gifts, pets and other items to Canada, as well as provide information on the duty-free limits for U.S. and other international visitors returning home.

Immigration

If you plan to work or study in Canada, here you'll find information on obtaining work and study permits or extending your stay as a temporary resident.

Fishing Regulations

Get all the information on fishing regulations and licences required to begin your freshwater and saltwater angling adventures in Canada.

Measurements & Voltage

Find out if your electrical items are compatible here and access a handy converter so you can quickly convert to Canada's metric system, e.g., change miles to metres and quarts to litres.