Here are some pointers to help you plan your trip to Canada.
Travel documents
Passport
A valid passport is required for travel to Canada. It does not have to be a biometric passport; any passport will satisfy. It is recommended that your passport expires 6 months after your return date. You can still make a reservation if you do not yet have a passport or if it is being renewed. You will only need to provide us with your passport information later, no more than two months before your departure.
VISA or ETA?
Most European countries do not require a visa to visit Canada (such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Germany, and others). Even if you do not require a visa, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Before you leave for Canada, you apply directly online. The cost per person is $7 CAD.
If you have a criminal record, obtaining a visa may be difficult or impossible. For more information on how to enter Canada with a DUI, visit KLM Immigration for inadmissibility issues.
Driver’s license
If you plan to drive a vehicle in Canada, such as a car, snowmobile, snow buggy, or camper, you must bring your driver’s licence. A valid national driver’s licence suffices.
Credit card
A credit card, in addition to your driver’s licence, is required to take possession of your vehicle (car, snowmobile, snow buggy, or camper). Visa and Master Card are widely accepted. You will be able to use it to pay your bills, whether they are from a restaurant, hotel, store, or elsewhere. Don’t forget to notify your financial institution that you will be travelling. Some credit cards are restricted from making foreign purchases.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departing. The following guarantees must be included in this insurance:
- Cancellation
- Providing assistance to travellers
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation in an emergency
- Luggage damage
- Civil responsibility
- Stay interruption
For foreigners, medical expenses in Canada are prohibitively expensive. One day in the hospital, for example, can cost more than $3000 CAD! That is why you must be insured.
Things you should know
Time difference
Montreal is 6 hours later than Paris. So when it’s noon in Paris, it’s 6:00 a.m. in Quebec. Stores are typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. On Sundays, few stores are open.
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Languages
Canada’s official languages are French and English. Quebec is the only province with a majority of French speakers: 96% of the population north and east of Montreal is fluent in French.
Phone
To make international calls from Canada, dial 011 + (country code) + (number without the 0).
- France’s country code is +33, Belgium’s is +32, and Switzerland’s is +41
- Dial 001 + for calls from Europe to Canada (Canada number)
Using an international calling card is the most cost-effective way to contact family or friends (available in convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores).
Taxes and tips
A 5% GST and a 9.975% QST must be added to the amount before tax. These taxes are not usually included in the listed prices. Tips are not included in the bill in restaurants, taxis, or hairdressing salons. In theory, it should account for 15% of the total.
Traffic rules
The road is congested on the right. With a few exceptions: moose crossing signs and snowmobile crossing signs, road signs are international. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. Stop before the traffic lights installed after a crossing.
