Canada Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Exercise normal precaution in Canada . Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.

🚨 Emergency Numbers

ℹ️ 911 serves all emergencies nationwide. In remote areas, satellite communicators are recommended as cell coverage is limited. Non-emergency police: dial the local police station number.

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Major cities have excellent university hospitals and trauma centers. Rural and remote areas have very limited facilities — medevac may be required. Wait times at public emergency rooms can be long (4-8+ hours for non-critical cases).

Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for tourists. Healthcare costs without insurance are among the highest in the world. Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation, as remote areas may require helicopter transport.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Canada allows travelers to bring personal-use quantities of prescription medications in original labeled containers with a doctor's letter. Controlled substances (opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines) should be in original pharmacy packaging and accompanied by the original prescription. Cannabis is legal in Canada but cannot be imported across the border — do not carry cannabis products into or out of the country.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription required. Carry original packaging and doctor's letter. Must be for personal use only.
• Adderall / amphetamines — RESTRICTED: Controlled substance (Schedule I). Allowed with valid prescription. Carry original labeled container and doctor's letter.
• Cannabis / CBD — CAUTION: Legal for adults 18/19+ (varies by province). Do NOT transport across international borders — illegal under federal law. Purchasing locally is legal.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Controlled substance. Allowed with valid prescription. Carry original packaging.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Prescription required for most formulations. Low-dose codeine available OTC in some provinces. Carry original packaging.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Tipping is standard and expected. Restaurants: 15-20% on the pre-tax amount. Taxis: 10-15%. Hotel porters: CAD $2-3 per bag. Hairdressers: 15-20%. Automatic gratuity may be added for groups of 6+.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Confusing Canadians with Americans — they are proud of the distinction
• Being impolite or aggressive in public — Canadians are famously courteous
• Not saying please and thank you
• Cutting in line (queue-jumping)
• Being overly loud in residential areas

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Canada: