Canada perfectly defines one word – massive. It is the second largest country in the world and occupies most part of North America. So, if you are visiting Canada for the first time, you might wonder where to start your journey and what to do in the vast wilderness and enchanting cities. Mentioned below are some basic tips that will help you to plan a memorable vacation in Canada.

• Best time to visit

In Canada, summer begins in late May and lasts till mid-September. After summer, fall season begins and continues till mid-November. Fall is succeeded by winter and ranges from mid-November until mid-March. Finally, spring completes the cycle up to late May. The tourist season in Canada booms from mid-June to mid-September. During this period, prices for accommodation and transport escalate. So, you can plan your visit to Canada depending on your preferences of weather and related activities. For example, you can ski in winter or hike the mountains in summer.

• Good accommodation

With a population of approximately 30 million living in a vast country, you are certain to find a wide range of accommodations that suit your budget or taste. You can choose to stay in inexpensive Bed and Breakfast motels or fully-furnished luxury vacation rentals. Moreover, you can find accommodations in popular cities that are located close to city attractions. So choose your pick from the igloos or ice hotels during winter season or cozy lodges in any city that are open for all seasons.

• Bunch of activities

It is simply impossible to run out of places to visit and things to do in Canada. Every province presents a unique spectacle of nature’s pristine beauty along with the charm of captivating cities. You can take a stroll in the streets of Old Montreal, skate on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, hike the Rockies in British Columbia, or watch wild polar bears in the wilderness of Manitoba…the attractions and activities are endless. Also, do not forget to eat the local delicacies like the famous Canadian poutine.

• Budget your travel

You can save a notable sum of money on flights when you visit Canada and also when you book flights to travel from one city to another within the country. There are many travel agencies that offer discounted rates on flights of popular airlines. Flight Network is one of the most visited online travel agencies in Canada that offers cheap flights on leading domestic and international airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and British Airways.

Gorgeous mountain backdrops, crystal clean lakes and air fresher than anything you’ve ever breathed before. These are three things you can surely expect on your visit to Canada, one of our planet’s most scenic countries. The unspoiled beauty of Canada’s wilderness has been the playground for adventurers and vacationers alike for generations. It’s exactly the kind of natural majesty that continually has visitors returning north of the border.

But, if this is your first trip to Canada, then there are some important things of which you should be aware. In an effort for your visit to be as exciting and fun as possible, here are some tips for planning your Canada vacation.

• Passport & Visa Application

Start the passport & Visa application process early.

International visitors to Canada must carry a valid passport and, if required, a visa. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration website for a complete listing of countries whose citizens require visas to enter Canada. All visitors should contact their Canadian consulate or embassy to learn what documents are required.

• Insurance

Having travel insurance can give you that extra peace of mind when travelling away from home that you are covered if your luggage was to get lost or stolen or if you were to fall ill. Travel insurance doesn’t need to be expensive but lost luggage and medical bills certainly can be.

Medical and dental care here is costly, and the government recommends that visitors be adequately insured during their stay in the country.

Insurance usually covers medical expenses, financial or any other losses incurred while traveling. Travel insurance is arranged at the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip. Travel policies offer the following coverage:

1. Student travel
2. Business travel
3. Leisure travel
4. Adventure travel
5. Cruise travel
6. International travel

Irrespective of the nature of uncertainties, a suitable coverage fulfilling the requirements can offer the coverage needed while away from home. It may save spending a fortune in any tragic unforeseen incident.

• Vaccination

No special immunizations or vaccinations are required to visit Canada.

• Measurement Calculator

Canada uses different measuring systems and for visitors who are unaware, it can be problematic. For example, if you’re driving here, the speed limit is designated in kilometers per hour. These are little differences, but ones that could have an impact on your visit.

• Weather Conditions

It experiences all the four seasons. The months from October to May are the coldest and you should pack accordingly. Canada’s coastal regions tend to receive plenty of rainfall and in the prairie lands, you should expect some stronger than normal winds.

• Time Difference

It is important to be able to work out the time difference to know how long a journey will take and also to co-ordinate with the people back home.

• Language

The language here is a mix of English and French, but you can usually get by with English in most of the tourist spots. If you head into more rural areas, it could help if you know a little French, or at least have a French-American dictionary handy.

• Currency

Canada commerce runs on the Canadian dollar, which is similar to the U.S. dollar, but visitors are usually better off converting their currency while they are here. This can be done in most major cities at a local currency exchange or at a nearby bank.

Planning for any vacation, whether it’s within or out of the country, is critical. Use the wealth of information available on the Internet to gain a good idea. Everything from the best hotels to famous attractions can be found online.

For incredible inspiration and an injection of adventure in the subject you study, travel to Canada, one the most naturally diverse countries in the world. Famously clean-living, laid-back and very welcoming, the Canadians have a good standard of living and seem very content and positive about their beautiful country. Combining study, travel and a touch of adventure is the perfect way to enhance a student’s learning and encourage personal development.

Canada has much to satisfy the adventurous student. With a popular outdoor culture there is the opportunity to hike, climb, ski or kayak and explore some of the magnificent natural playground that makes up the majority of this vast country. You may be lucky enough to encounter a Grizzly Bear or even spot a Humpback Whale while on a boat trip off the west coast. Seeing one of these beauties gracefully break the surface of the ocean is an awesome experience.

Visit Niagara Falls, Canada’s Most Famed Attraction

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most stunning [and certainly its most voluminous] waterfall in terms of water flow. The Niagara Falls waterfall is actually a group of three that is located right on the border between The United States and Canada. Just standing and taking in this amazing sight is breathtaking, but the more adventurous can get really close and take an exciting boat trip right under the fall of the water; it’s a lot of fun but be prepared to get very wet! The water racing over the precipice is deafening, the spray is spectacular and the feeling of human insignificance in the presence of such a sight is heightened. Visiting these falls is certainly a memorable and also somewhat humbling experience.

City Life

Vancouver is situated on the coast of Canada and is considered one of the best places in the world to live. A visit to Vancouver helps students identify the differences between this first world society and their own, as well as question the economic disparities and reasons for these. This city is home to a very diverse population and therefore many languages are spoken – in fact, English is the first language of only about half of the people that live here.

Another great city is the provincial, cultural and economic capital of Canada, Toronto. There are so many opportunities in the city to suit several different areas of study. Travel to Toronto to visit one of the many museums, explore Toronto Island, or climb the tallest free-standing tower in the western hemisphere, The CN Tower. The more daring among your students can even do an Edge Walk, an exhilarating no-hands walk right on the outside ledge of the tower. The views are second to none even if the experience makes it tough to keep your eyes open.

Montreal is another cultural gem. There is an eclectic art scene here and some wonderful museums housing them. If French is your field of study, travel to Quebec where students can immerse themselves in the bilingual culture. Canada has endless opportunities for exploration, study and adventure and a holiday here will certainly be one to remember.