Planning is one of the most important aspects to any successful trip. Before you go, know what documentation you’ll need, and how to get to your destination safely.

• General information
• Travelling to the U.S. and other parts of the world
• Travelling with children
• Information for travellers with disabilities
• Visitors to Canada

General information

Before you leave, be prepared. Passport Canada gives travellers some important travel tips, including when to apply for a passport as well as when and where you’ll need your passport.

Many cities in Canada have some form of public transit to help you get around. Explore Canada – the official site of the Canadian Tourism Commission – has a list of public transit systems in Canada’s major cities. 

It's quite easy to travel the length and breadth of Canada, despite its vast size. You can drive, fly, take the train or travel by boat from one coast to the other.

There are a number of things you can do before you get to the airport to make your experience at the airport and at the pre-board screening checkpoint more efficient. Let the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority show you what to do.

Need to find a Canadian Airport? Let the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority make your search easier.

TC on TV are safety and security video spots done in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to promote and improve safe practices when preparing food and travelling.

Before you head out on the road, it’s best to make sure that your vehicle hasn’t been the subject of a recall or a defect. Transport Canada’s Road Safety’s recalls and defects page lets you find out more.

Taking a ferry? Check out this list of Canadian ferries available in different parts of the country.

Travelling to the U.S. and other parts of the world

Planning a trip to the United States or Mexico? Read up on what kind of documentation you’ll need to get into these countries. Best to be prepared before you leave!

Did you know that lighters are prohibited on your person and in all baggage beyond the security checkpoint when travelling by air to the United States? Find out more.

The RCMP is always keeping Canada’s safety and security in mind. Find out how they keep Canada’s borders safe from terrorist threats.

The Canada Border Services Agency has all sorts of information for Canadian residents travelling abroad, from how much alcohol each person is allowed to bring back, to general border services information.

Every day, Consular Affairs provides information and assistance for Canadians travelling abroad. They issue travel warnings, in some cases recommending that Canadians postpone or avoid travel to a country or specific region(s) of a country, when credible information suggests that it is not safe to travel. Before you go, know if it’s safe for you to travel in the country you’re planning to visit.

Bon Voyage, But… is a publication developed by Consular Affairs to give information to Canadians travelling abroad.

Consular Affairs has a traveller’s checklist to help ensure you have a safe and problem-free trip. All you have to do is take these steps before leaving Canada.

Thinking of driving the Autobahn while you’re in Germany or touring the European countryside? Make sure you have an international driving permit.

If your travel plans involve boating, be sure you take a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

If you’re travelling outside Canada, you should know as much as possible about the Avian Influenza. 

Travelling with children

Travelling with a child is always an adventure. Be prepared and know what documents should be carried by a child travelling alone or by a parent or guardian travelling with a child.

As more infants and toddlers travel by air, there is a need to develop safe air transportation policies for children. In Canada, child restraint seats on aircrafts are not required. However, Transport Canada strongly recommends the use of a car seat.

Passport Canada has some tips for children travelling alone or accompanied by an adult. It’s important for each child travelling abroad must have a valid passport and may also require supporting documentation.

If you’re taking a road trip this summer, your child’s safety should be on your mind. Check out Transport Canada’s safety information on child car seats.

Children travelling by car must be properly seated and restrained at all times. No matter what the age of your child, it is important to follow some basic guidelines when travelling with children in your vehicle.

A child’s PFD or lifejacket when boating is not a substitute for adult supervision, but they will keep your child safe. Please read over this safety information when choosing a Personal Flotation Device or lifejacket for your child.

Information for travellers with disabilities

It’s your trip, so if you need an extra hand while at the airport, it’s important that you take charge of your air travel experience. Learn how today.

Persons with disabilities online is a site where persons with disabilities, their family members, caregivers and service providers can access a full range of information on disability-related programs and services in Canada. Check out the links under transportation and travel.

The Access to Travel website tries to capture some of the best websites to help persons with disabilities research their next trip.

Looking for information on accessible transportation carriers in Canada? This website has profiles of the accessible services offered by Canadian transportation carriers.

This website provides information on accessible ground transportation services within cities and towns across Canada.

Transport Canada’s Accessible Transportation Unit provides leadership in the development and promotion of strategies and policies that seek to provide accessibility to the national transportation network without undue obstacles for persons with disabilities, seniors, and other citizens with unique needs.

The Canadian European parking agreement for persons with disabilities states that any Canadian with a disability holding a valid parking permit issued in their jurisdiction may travel in any of the 40 European member countries of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport and use their home parking permit to enjoy the same benefits as citizens from these countries.

In-flight safety is everybody’s concern. Persons with disabilities often have special safety concerns. Find out the answers to your questions about service animals and personalized safety briefings here.

Pre-board screening officers have been trained to accommodate passengers with special needs and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of these passengers during the entire screening process.

The purpose of this Code of Practice is to improve the accessibility of marine travel for persons with disabilities.

Visitors to Canada

Visiting friends or relatives in Canada this summer? Planning can help ensure you have a worry-free cross-border trip. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

If you’re visiting from outside of Canada and want to drive a boat, before going on the water check out these Office of Boating Safety requirements.

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