Exploring Canada on a luxury Silver Shadow cruise is a once in a lifetime experience like no other. The vast country is packed with things to see and do and offers a landscape unrivalled by any other part of the world. The Canadian people are renowned for their politeness, and are incredibly welcoming – so it’s no surprise that Canada is an incredibly popular tourist destination, with 32 million people visiting a year. But what exactly is the best way to experience this remarkable country?
Layer up
If you’re travelling to Canada in the winter months, then it is essential that you come prepared. That means bringing many layers of clothing, as the winter climate can be brutal to say the least, with most people not realising just how cold it can get, especially in places such as Alberta. Simply put, it’s best to research the weather conditions before planning your trip and pack accordingly, so that you can enjoy the country comfortably.
Make sure you have your visa and insurance
Ensure that you have your travel documents in order, from visas, passports, and identification such as driving licenses. The recent pandemic has made travel slightly more complex. But what exactly do you need?
- An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – is required for travelers from certain countries when visiting.
- ArriveCAN – a recently introduced health form for Canada must be filled out by any person entering the country.
- Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – this is crucial for completing the ArriveCAN health form.
Stay alert
As with most places when you travel, it’s important that you are aware of your surroundings and don’t become too complacent. Although you are unlikely to suffer any harm, as Canada is an extremely safe country, it is possible that you may experience tourist scams at places such as the Niagara Falls, or pickpockets in some of the major cities such as Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Don’t bring anything valuable with you when you are exploring, walking around, or sightseeing on foot. If it is not possible to leave valuables at on board, consider keeping them with you discreetly while travelling around (for example, using an inside pocket) as they will be less likely targets if hidden from plain view.
Remember to tip
Much like the USA, tipping your servers is extremely common in Canada due to the fact that most service employees are paid less than minimum wage. Although tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to leave 15-20% of your bill when you receive services from waiters, hairdressers, cab drivers, or hotel workers that were helpful and attentive. Many Canadians feel obliged to tip service workers as they feel that they are not being paid enough by their employers and are being taken advantage of, so always remember to tip.
Enjoy yourself!
Canada is one of the most remarkable countries on Earth. Offering a gorgeous landscape, friendly people, and incredible cuisine, there’s something for everyone when you visit Canada. Explore this amazing part of the world on a Silver Shadow cruise and make memories to last a lifetime.
