Canada is a vast and versatile country with acres of magnificent nature, from mesmerizing mountains to hidden lakes and dense forest in the raw-pure form — it’s the dream of many people to do a trans-Canadian road trip. But Canada's charm is not just the wonderful nature. There are lots of wonderful locations to visit which is a treat for any travel buff. No wonder it's the second-largest country in the world. Canada has huge cities that are charming, cosmopolitan, and really safe. Actually, Canada has not once been nominated as the best country for living. You will gladly agree that once you see Canada with your own eyes — it won’t disappoint even if you’ve prepared to enter a fairy-tale.
Affordability
Canada is an affordable option to spend free days. The Canadian dollar is worth a little less than the U.S. dollar, so prices in Canada seem generous to foreign visitors. Considering this fact, you can easily travel to Canada on a budget, if you do planning and research to find out better places to live and eat.
Driving rules
If you decide to travel to Canada by car, you’ve got to know driving features. To rent a car in Canada, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your license for a minimum of one year. More detailed information you may find on the official Driving in Canada website. Most of the rules are similar to the United States, however, due to the diversity of each province, road signs may be difficult to understand. For example, a road sign "90" doesn’t necessarily limit speed. Check the signs before traveling and keep in the car French phrasebook, especially if you are traveling in French-speaking provinces. Speeding fines run extremely high here. Be careful driving outside! The highest speed in the city — 60-70 km/h, two-lane roads — 80 km/h, multi-lane highways — 120 km/h.
Car is the most convenient way to travel in Canada. You can rent one at better prices in GetRentacar. For example, Hyundai Sonata will cost $68 per day, Hyundai Tucson — $81 per day, Lexus RX — $187 per day. Use promocode VALENTINA5 to get a 5% discount on GetRentacar.com
Traveling to Canada from the USA by car
Travelers driving into Canada from the U.S. must have a valid I.D., such as a U.S. passport. Unlike most of the world, a passport card is also accepted on the land border. Children under 16 need only show proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are traveling to Canada with a green card, you don’t need a visitor visa, however, you’ve got to have an eTA. To drive a car, you need an enhanced license and car insurance. All travelers 5 years of age or older must provide proof of a COVID-19 test result to enter Canada, including those who are fully vaccinated.
Now let’s take a look at great destinations in Canada so you can make a top-list with the ones you love.
Banff
Banff is one of the most picturesque national parks in Canada. With sky-high mountains, vibrant nature, glorious views, and an adorable little village. Every visitor will find rest for its soul here. Another feature of Banff is its location. Park stands in Alberta, near other wonderful national parks like Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park. So you may visit a bunch of parks on this side of the country and save time for other locations.
The pearl of Banff is Moraine lake. Its color amazes - a bright shade of turquoise that changes in intensity as the glaciers melt. Located in the rough Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock cliffs, making a picture so unbelievable that it appears unreal.
Niagara Falls
Niagara isn’t only the world's fastest-moving waterfall, it's also a magnificent nature miracle. Six million cubic meters of water are seeking down every minute, representing one of the most powerful and stunning views in the world. Visiting Niagara Falls is something you must do at least once in your life. Despite the tons of tourists, you'll be hypnotized by the power of the falls, and the sight of millions of gallons of water falling down, just a meter away from a road you are standing on.
Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities. It was nominated as the most favorable for living, thanks to a fine balance of urban features and breathtaking natural surroundings. Plenty of festivals brings delight to the city every summer — the Queer Arts Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival, and Vancouver’s own Folk Music Festival.
"You’re gorgeous, baby, you’re sophisticated, you live well...Vancouver is Manhattan with mountains. It’s a liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France, and the Pacific Northwest. It’s the cool North American sibling." – The New York Times said about Vancouver and we have nothing to add.
Jasper National Park
One of Canada's rawest places, Jasper National Park provides stunning views at every turn. Travelers can admire many panoramas from the peaks of Mount Edith Cavell to the caverns of Maligne Canyon.
Jasper Park is proud of its UNESCO membership along with Banff and other beautiful parks. With more than 11,000 square kilometers, travelers will probably spot animals ranging from caribou to wolverine to moose. Attractions within Jasper National Park include Tonquin Valley, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, Pyramid Mountain, Pyramid Lake, and Mount Edith Cavell.
Montreal
Montreal appears the melding of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures blending into a 21st-century skyline. Old buildings became home to modern restaurants, rainbow flags flutter alongside flags from India, Portugal, and France, and traditional French croissants are sold next to the sweet sesame seed Oriental bagels. Montreal is rich in attractions and elegant scenes. Exploring the city, you will find charming architecture, glamorous eats, trendy bars, and much more. So there is just one word that can describe this city — multifaceted.