Are you planning on visiting beautiful Canada? If so, and if you live in Australia, here are six things you should know before you start planning your trip.
1. You Will Need an Electronic Travel Authorization or IMM 5257 Visitor Visa
If you are traveling to Canada from Australia, you will need either an Electronic Travel Authorization or an IMM 5257 visitor visa. When traveling to Canada for vacationing, visiting friends, or business purposes, you will require the latter. Also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, it enables you to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Simply complete the IMM 5257 PDF Template, which is the application for the visa. The visa itself will be issued by the Canadian visa office and placed inside your passport.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorization to fly or transit through any airport in Canada. An eTa is valid for up to five years. However, you do not require one if entering Canada via cruise ship, boat, bus, or train, or from the United States. With a valid eTA, you can visit Canada for up to six months at a time as often as you like.
However, bear in mind that entry and exit conditions for Canada can change at short notice, as recently happened in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, you should contact the high commission or consulate of Canada before booking your trip to ensure you know all the latest rules. Furthermore, you may need additional documents to travel to Canada with children or pets, or to bring goods into the country.
2. You Should Get Travel Insurance
You should get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel to Canada from Australia. If you do not and you require medical assistance while in the country, you could have to pay thousands of dollars for care.
To make sure you get the right level of travel insurance, consider what activities you plan on doing in Canada and ensure your policy covers those activities. Also, make sure that your insurance covers you for the whole time you are away and any pre-existing medical conditions you have.
3. You Should Change Money Before You Leave
While credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Canada, it is always best to carry some cash as well. You can change Australian dollars at exchange bureaus and banks in Canada, but it is better to be prepared by changing your money before you leave Australia. The local currency is the Canadian Dollar.
4. If You Want to Drive in Canada, You Will Need a Driving Permit
There are lots of ways of getting around Canada. Train and bus are the two most popular choices of public transport. But you might like to hire a car. That way, you can explore Canada’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant towns and cities at your own leisure.
To drive in Canada, you will typically need both a valid Australian driving license and an International Driving Permit. With the latter, you can drive in Canada for up to one year. Plus, you will need to obtain a motorcycle license if you intend to operate a motorcycle while in Canada.
5. Know Who to Contact in Emergencies
If you require urgent assistance while you are in Canada, you can contact either the Australian High Commission in Ottawa, the Australian Consulate in Vancouver, or the Australian Consulate-General in Toronto.
Make a note of these before you leave home so that you are prepared in cases of emergencies. The Australian government’s Consular Services Charter details precisely what the government can and cannot do to help you when you are overseas.
6. There Are Multiple Places to Visit and Things to Do in Canada
Lastly, once you have addressed all the boring but highly important things like sorting out your visa, getting insurance, and noting down government contacts, you can begin to plan your trip to Canada.
There are multiple amazing places to visit and wonderful things to do in the country. Here are just some of the highlights you might like to add to your itinerary.
Visiting Magical Montreal
Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city. Its unique blend of North American and European charm creates a vibrant culture that is hard to resist. You could check out the Notre Dame Basilica, go shopping in Underground City, or enjoy a stroll in Mount Royal Park.
Discovering Toronto’s Treasures
Toronto is a cosmopolitan city that oozes charm. You could visit the iconic CN Tower, relax in the Toronto Islands, or explore diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Kensington Market.
Taking in the Stunning Beauty of Banff National Park
Banff National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. You could visit stunning lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, go horseback riding through the Rockies, or ski at some of the top slopes in the world.
Experiencing the World-famous Niagara Falls
Finally, no visit to Canada would be complete without experiencing the truly awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. You could view the rushing torrents from viewing platforms, take a Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close to the falls, or get an incredible aerial view of the site by going on a helicopter ride.
