Destination Guides
Canada
Moraine Lake, Banff National Park
Canada's size means most trips focus on one region rather than the whole country, the Rockies and Banff's mountain scenery, Toronto and Montreal's city culture, or the Maritime provinces' coastal charm each make for a distinct trip. Summer (June-September) is the most popular season for the Rockies and Maritimes, while fall brings spectacular foliage to Ontario and Quebec. A 7-10 day trip allows one region in real depth, most commonly Banff and the Canadian Rockies or a Toronto-Montreal-Quebec City combination. Because Canada is often booked as a shorter, easier-to-reach alternative to a European or long-haul trip, an advisor's help matching the right region to a traveler's interests (mountains versus cities versus coast) gets the most out of a trip that can otherwise feel like just "not the US."
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
Canadian culture is polite, understated, and welcoming to visitors.
Friendly greetings: A handshake is standard, Canadians are famously easygoing about greetings generally.
Dress respectfully: Casual and practical almost everywhere, layer for changeable weather.
Dining times: Similar to US timing, lunch around noon, dinner from 6:00-8:00pm.
Local customs: Saying "sorry" frequently and reflexively is a genuine cultural habit, not just a stereotype.
Transportation and timing: Domestic flights or long drives connect far-apart regions, cities have reliable public transit.
Practical tip: In Quebec, French is the primary language, a few polite French phrases go a long way even though English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Souvenirs
For the Foodies: Pure maple syrup, ideally from a small producer rather than a supermarket brand.
For the Fashionistas: A Hudson's Bay point blanket or a piece from a Canadian outdoor brand.
For the Home: Indigenous or Inuit art, such as a print or small carving, purchased from a reputable gallery that supports the artist.
Suggested Gratuities
Private Tour Guides: $20-25 per person for a half-day tour
Shared Group Tour Guides: $10 per person
Taxis/Rideshares: 15% or round up generously
Restaurants: 15-18% is standard
Private Drivers: $15-20 per trip
Housekeeping: $2-3 per night
Porters: $1-2 per bag
Spa Staff: 15-18% of the service cost
Practical Travel Notes
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English, French primarily in Quebec
Transportation: Domestic flights for long distances, trains between major Eastern cities, rental car useful in the Rockies
Weather: Cold winters, warm summers, varies significantly by region
Walking: Cities are walkable, mountain destinations require appropriate outdoor footwear