
Canada Travel Basics Guide
From Entry Requirements to Budget Planning – All You Need to Know
This guide is designed for travelers visiting Canada for the first time or returning after some time. It covers essential topics such as visa and entry requirements, major airport information, trip budgeting, communication methods, etiquette, and practical money-saving tips. All content is up-to-date and organized for easy application to real travel planning. Even first-time travelers will find this guide helpful, thanks to the easy-to-understand language, real-world examples, and clear breakdowns of costs and logistics.

1. Entry Requirements
- Visa Information: South Korean passport holders can enter Canada for tourism with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa. eTA is required for air travel and can be applied online through the official Government of Canada website. It’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure.
- eTA Application Process: The fee is CAD 7, and approval typically takes minutes. The approval is automatically linked to your passport and delivered via email.
- Documents at Entry: A valid passport, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel plans may be required. Some travelers may be asked to show proof of vaccination or health documentation depending on recent travel history.
2. Airport Information
- Major Airports: Canada’s main international airports include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Ottawa (YOW), and Quebec City (YQB). These hubs provide strong domestic and international connections.
- Finding Cheap Flights: Use platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare rates. Low-cost carriers also operate on major routes. Activate price alerts to track fare changes.
- Customs & Baggage: Use the ArriveCAN app to pre-fill customs information. At the airport, you may be asked about the reason for travel, travel history, and duration of stay. If luggage is lost, visit the airport’s Lost & Found desk immediately.
3. Essential Packing List
- Electronics: Canada uses 110V/60Hz power and Type A/B plugs (same as South Korea), so no adapter is needed unless using heavy-duty appliances.
- Payment Options: Credit cards are widely accepted. Carry small cash for tips or small vendors. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted.
- Medicine: Bring any prescription medications with their English prescriptions. Over-the-counter medicines like cold relief and painkillers can be purchased at pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart.

4. Budget Planning
- Estimated Costs (Per Person, 1 Week):
- Flights: KRW 1,000,000–2,000,000 (round trip)
- Accommodation: KRW 150,000–250,000 per night (hotel), KRW 50,000–100,000 (hostel)
- Food: KRW 40,000–80,000 per day
- Transportation: KRW 50,000 (transit pass) or KRW 100,000/day (car rental)
- Attractions: KRW 10,000–50,000/day
- Total: Approx. KRW 2,500,000–4,000,000 for a full trip
- Money-Saving Tips: Choose hotels with free breakfast, use city passes, buy snacks at local markets, and avoid peak travel periods.
5. Accommodation Options
- Where to Stay:
- Vancouver: West End, Downtown, Gastown
- Toronto: Downtown Core, Distillery District, Yorkville
- Montreal: Old Montreal, Plateau Mont-Royal
- Types of Lodging: Hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, and motels are common. Airbnbs are ideal for families and long stays, while hostels suit solo travelers.
- Booking Advice: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com, or Airbnb. Always check cancellation policies, guest reviews, and location on a map. Book 2–3 months early during summer or holiday seasons.
6. Communication & SIM Cards
- eSIM vs. SIM Card: eSIM is convenient for modern phones and avoids physical swaps. Physical SIM cards can be bought at the airport, pharmacies, or online.
- Major Carriers: Rogers, Telus, and Bell have nationwide coverage. Freedom Mobile offers lower prices but has limited coverage outside cities.
- Cost Examples: CAD 15–40 for 5–10GB / CAD 50+ for unlimited. SIMs are available via vending machines, travel kiosks, or Korean resellers.

7. Transportation Guide
- City Transport: Most cities have buses, subways, and trams. Use reloadable cards (e.g., TTC in Toronto, Compass in Vancouver). Transfers within 90 minutes are often free.
- Between Cities: Use VIA Rail, FlixBus, or domestic flights. Train routes are scenic but slower. Book in advance for the best rates.
- Driving Tips: Rent a car for nature travel or small towns. International Driving Permit is required. Winter tires and AWD are recommended during snowy months. Be mindful of parking and fuel costs.
8. Food and Tipping Culture
- Signature Dishes: Canada is home to several iconic foods such as poutine, maple syrup, beaver tails, Caesar cocktails, salmon dishes, lobster rolls, and Nanaimo bars. Quebec is renowned for its French-influenced fine dining, while British Columbia stands out for its fresh seafood. Tim Hortons coffee and donuts are practically a national symbol. Thanks to the country’s multicultural nature, you can easily find cuisines from India, China, Korea, the Middle East, Vietnam, and many other regions throughout major cities.
- Tipping Practices: Like the U.S., tipping is an important aspect of Canadian culture. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave 15–20% of the bill as a tip. In hotels, it’s typical to tip bellhops CAD 1–2 and housekeeping staff CAD 1–5 per night. For taxis, salons, and bars, tipping around 10–15% is expected. When paying with a credit card, tipping options usually appear automatically, and not tipping may be seen as rude.
- Dining Etiquette & Considerations: Loud conversation and leaving uneaten food are often considered impolite. Canadians value respectful conversation and attentiveness during meals. Many popular restaurants require reservations, especially high-demand places that may book out weeks in advance. It’s important to mention allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan) when ordering, as staff are trained to accommodate such needs.
9. Understanding Canadian Culture
- Public Etiquette: Canadians are known for being polite and respectful. Queuing, holding doors, and speaking softly in public spaces are common courtesies. You’ll frequently hear expressions like “Sorry” or “Excuse me,” even in minor situations. Remaining calm and courteous even in uncomfortable situations is valued and considered a sign of maturity and consideration.
- Language & Regional Differences: Canada has two official languages: English and French. In Quebec, French is predominantly spoken. While cities like Montreal are bilingual, Quebec City may have fewer English speakers, so learning basic French greetings is recommended. Elsewhere in Canada, English is widely spoken, allowing tourists to travel easily.
- Diversity & Social Values: Canada is a champion of diversity and inclusion. People of different races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities are welcomed and protected by law. Discriminatory remarks or actions, especially in public, can have legal consequences. Travelers are encouraged to respect the cultural and social dynamics that define modern Canadian society.

10. Travel Itinerary Planning Tips
- Recommended Routes by Theme:
- Nature: Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper), Niagara Falls, Yoho National Park, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake
- City Exploration: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria
- Cultural Experiences: Indigenous village visits, Canadian History Museum, modern art galleries, local markets and farm tours
- Sample 7-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver – Explore Gastown, Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Days 2–3: Banff National Park – Lake Louise, Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Day 4: Transit via Calgary – Visit Heritage Park, explore downtown
- Day 5: Travel to Toronto – Visit CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market
- Day 6: Day trip to Niagara Falls – Helicopter ride, wine tasting tour
- Day 7: Departure prep – Shopping and wrap-up in Toronto
- Planning Advice: Canada’s vast geography means intercity travel can be time-consuming. Avoid overly packed itineraries and allow for rest days or buffer time. Use domestic flights or rail passes (e.g., VIA Rail) to save time. Weather varies greatly by region and season, so check local forecasts in advance and adjust your destinations accordingly.

✅ Entry & Visa
- eTA Application – Official site for applying for Electronic Travel Authorization (mandatory for air entry):
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html - ArriveCAN App – Recommended for pre-declaring customs information before entry:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html
✅ Flights & Transport
- Skyscanner – Flight price comparison and fare alerts:
👉 https://www.skyscanner.ca - Kayak – Alternative flight search and hotel/car comparison:
👉 https://www.kayak.com - VIA Rail Canada – Intercity rail travel across Canada:
👉 https://www.viarail.ca - FlixBus Canada – Budget-friendly bus routes between major cities:
👉 https://www.flixbus.ca
✅ SIM & Connectivity
- Airalo – eSIM for Canada (eSIM-capable devices only):
👉 https://www.airalo.com - SimOptions – International physical SIM and eSIM for Canada:
👉 https://www.simoptions.com
✅ Accommodation
- Booking.com – Hotel and guesthouse reservations:
👉 https://www.booking.com - Airbnb Canada – Apartment and local stays:
👉 https://www.airbnb.ca - Agoda Canada – Global accommodation deals, often with discounts:
👉 https://www.agoda.com
✅ Attractions & Passes
- Parks Canada – Official info on national parks, passes, and permits:
👉 https://www.pc.gc.ca - Niagara Parks – Attractions, tours, and tickets around Niagara Falls:
👉 https://www.niagaraparks.com - CityPASS Canada – Discounted entry to top city attractions (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver):
👉 https://www.citypass.com