What power plug and voltage does Canada use?

Canada uses Type A and Type B sockets at 120V / 60 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.

What time zone is Canada in?

Canada is in the America/Toronto time zone (UTC-05:00).

Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Canada?

Toronto's TTC is $3.35 with a two-hour transfer window on PRESTO or contactless, and a day pass is about $13.50. Vancouver's TransLink prices by zone with an $11.50 day pass. The TTC day pass beats singles from about 4 rides — but the two-hour transfer window means a quick round trip is already just one fare.

Canada Travel Guide

June–September for the Rockies, lakes and city festivals; December–March for skiing. October brings excellent foliage in Ontario and Québec.

Last reviewed August 12, 2026

Currency

CAD (CA$)

Time zone

America/Toronto (UTC-05:00)

Power

Type A, Type B · 120V / 60 Hz

Emergency number

911

Language

English and French (French dominates in Québec)

Typical opening hours

Shops typically 9 am–9 pm; Sunday hours may be reduced. Quebec has stricter Sunday restrictions.

Best time to visit Canada

June–September for the Rockies, lakes and city festivals; December–March for skiing. October brings excellent foliage in Ontario and Québec.

Peak: July–August in Banff and Jasper, where accommodation books out months ahead, plus Christmas and March break in ski towns.

Shoulder season: September and early June: open trails, thinner crowds and lower rates.

Visa and entry

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) required for visa-exempt nationalities at ca.gc.ca/eta.

Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.

Money and tipping

Canada uses the CAD (CA$).

Expected. 15–20% at restaurants; $1–$2 per bag; taxis 10–15%.

Getting around

Toronto's TTC is $3.35 with a two-hour transfer window on PRESTO or contactless, and a day pass is about $13.50. Vancouver's TransLink prices by zone with an $11.50 day pass.

When a pass pays off: The TTC day pass beats singles from about 4 rides — but the two-hour transfer window means a quick round trip is already just one fare.

Local etiquette

Do

Tip 15–20% in restaurants and bars; card terminals will prompt you.
Layer clothing — indoor heating and outdoor cold differ sharply in winter.
Add federal and provincial sales tax to shelf prices at the till.

Avoid

Don't underestimate driving distances between provinces.
Don't approach or feed wildlife in the Rockies; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Don't assume a US mobile plan covers Canada — check roaming first.

Common scams and tourist traps

Relatively few. Watch for dynamic currency conversion at card terminals — always choose to be charged in Canadian dollars.
Unofficial “tour desks” reselling Banff and Whistler activities at a markup.

Health

No special vaccinations beyond routine immunizations are needed for Canada. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.

When locals eat

Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.

Typical meal times in Canada by sleep rhythm
Meal	Early riser	Typical	Night owl
breakfast	7:00 AM	8:00 AM	10:00 AM
lunch	11:30 AM	12:30 PM	1:30 PM
dinner	6:00 PM	7:00 PM	8:30 PM

Useful English and French (French dominates in Québec) phrases

Québec service is French-first, and opening with “bonjour” changes the reception. The rest of the country is English-speaking.

Hello (Québec): Bonjour(bon-zhoor)
Thank you: Merci(mair-see)
Excuse me: Excusez-moi(ex-koo-zay-mwah)
How much is this?: C'est combien ?(say kom-byan)

Staying connected

eSIM providers that cover Canada: Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.

Canada travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Canada?: June–September for the Rockies, lakes and city festivals; December–March for skiing. October brings excellent foliage in Ontario and Québec.
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?: eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) required for visa-exempt nationalities at ca.gc.ca/eta. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
Do you tip in Canada?: Expected. 15–20% at restaurants; $1–$2 per bag; taxis 10–15%.
What currency is used in Canada?: Canada uses the CAD (CA$).
What power plug and voltage does Canada use?: Canada uses Type A and Type B sockets at 120V / 60 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
What is the emergency number in Canada?: In Canada, call 911.
What time zone is Canada in?: Canada is in the America/Toronto time zone (UTC-05:00).
What language is spoken in Canada?: The main language is English and French (French dominates in Québec). Québec service is French-first, and opening with “bonjour” changes the reception. The rest of the country is English-speaking.
Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Canada?: Toronto's TTC is $3.35 with a two-hour transfer window on PRESTO or contactless, and a day pass is about $13.50. Vancouver's TransLink prices by zone with an $11.50 day pass. The TTC day pass beats singles from about 4 rides — but the two-hour transfer window means a quick round trip is already just one fare.
What health precautions should I take in Canada?: No special vaccinations beyond routine immunizations are needed for Canada. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.

Plan a Canada trip around how you actually travel

Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.

Plan my Canada trip

This guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.

Canada at a glance