Canada Travel FAQ (2026)
Do I need a visa or travel authorization to visit Canada in 2026?
Canada eTA (C$7 Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Air Travelers; US Citizens Exempt with US Passport)
What is the best way to travel between Toronto & Niagara Falls, Vancouver & Whistler, and Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper?
Travel seamlessly across Canada on VIA Rail Corridor (Windsor–Québec City) & The Canadian / Rocky Mountaineer. Compare walk-up fares against advance promotional tickets and regional passes in CAD (C$). For local buses, trams, and metro lines, use Toronto PRESTO, Vancouver Compass & Montreal OPUS Contactless Calculator (Both Toronto TTC/UP Express and Vancouver TransLink SkyTrain/SeaBus now accept contactless Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay directly at the fare gate at the adult PRESTO/Compass rate! In Montréal, pick up a 24-hour (C$11.00) or 3-day (C$21.25) STM transit pass (includes the 747 YUL Airport Express Bus!).).
Should I carry cash (CAD) or use credit cards in Canada?
Official currency is the CAD (C$) (C$, CAD; 1 USD ≈ 1.39 CAD). Contactless cards work widely across Toronto & Niagara Falls and Vancouver & Whistler, but always carry small notes in C$ for markets, bakeries, and rural transit.
How does tipping work in Canada?
15–20% (calculated on the PRE-TAX subtotal) at sit-down restaurants; remember menu & shelf prices exclude provincial sales tax (5% GST in Alberta up to 15% HST in Atlantic Canada & 14.975% GST+QST in Québec).
What power plugs are used in Canada, and is tap water safe?
Canada uses Type A & Type B (120V / 60Hz — identical to United States two-flat-prong outlets) sockets at Type A & Type B (120V / 60Hz — identical to United States two-flat-prong outlets). Tap water: Canadian municipal tap water is 100% safe to drink across all cities; boil or filter backcountry stream water in National Parks.. Emergency numbers: 911 (Police RCMP/OPP/SQ, Ambulance & Fire nationwide).