Going to au Canada: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay au Canada

Money au Canada

Currency is expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD, $ CA, CAN $ - not to be confused with the US dollar). Coins in denominations of CAN$1 and CAN$2, and 5, 10 and 25¢ (cents); bills in denominations of CAN$5, CAN$10, CAN$20, CAN$50 and CAN$100 (the latter are sometimes refused in some stores). English Canadians call the 1 CAN $ coin " loonie " and the 2 CAN $ coin " toonie ". The 25¢ coin is called a " quarter ".

Exchange rates. According to the Royal Bank of Canada, the exchange rate in January 2025 was : 1 CAN $ = 0.66 €; 1 € = 1.43 CAN $ (actual in-branch rates).

Budget & Tips au Canada

To help you plan your daily budget on site, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: 100-125 CAN $ per day per person (accommodation in camping/youth hostel, meals on the run or groceries, public transport or carpooling, free activities or activities costing less than 10 CAN $).

Medium budget: $250 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodations, fine dining, public transit or car, paid or package activities).

Large budget: from $350 CAN per day per person (more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet accommodation, fine dining, car transport, package activities/expeditions).

And don' t forget that the prices of most consumer goods and services are plus one or two sales taxes (5 to 15% depending on the province or territory), generally not included in the posted price. A 15% tip must also be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips at cinemas or theaters.

As forhaggling , this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers can sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a large sum. Similarly, even though it's strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes agree not to charge you taxes if you pay for your purchases in cash and without the possibility of returning them...

Passport and visas au Canada

Travelers from France, Belgium and Switzerland are accepted for six months, and must have completed their application for Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE). They must be in possession of a valid passport, a return ticket (ideally) and sufficient funds to ensure their stay.

Since 2016, visitors who do not require a visa must complete an AVE (electronic travel authorization) prior to their trip. The AVE costs $7 CAN per person, and is valid for five years or until the passport expires. This online application collects basic personal information, just as is currently done at customs on arrival in Canada, and results in faster border clearance. Beware, however, of the many fraudulent sites that abound on the web. Some companies, unconnected with the government, offer to help you apply for an AVE. But it's very easy to do (and available in French). For more information: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/visiter-canada/ave.html

For all other questions about entering Canada, and for contact details of the Canadian embassy in France: france.gc.ca

Finally, if you're planning to cross the U.S. border for a short getaway, or even just for transit, you'll need a biometric passport. This passport allows you to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program for stays of less than 90 days. To benefit from this visa waiver, you need to make an online declaration, accompanied by a US$21 fee, for tourist stays in the United States. For further information: esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Driver's license au Canada

French, Belgian and Swiss driver's licenses are accepted for a limited period of time (variable depending on the province or territory, generally three months); if not, you will need an international license (generally valid for one to three years). If you wish to rent a car in Canada, you must be 21 years of age, or even 25 years of age for certain models, and have a credit card. A driver's license is also required for snowmobiles and ATVs, and a motorcycle license is required to drive one.

Health au Canada

There are no infectious diseases or health risks worth mentioning in Canada. Tap water is potable (unless otherwise indicated) and free, even in restaurants.

Security au Canada

Although still low, the crime index in Canada has been rising slightly in recent years. It should be noted, however, that the majority of crimes committed in this country are actually property crimes. Although Canada remains a safe country, much more so than its French cousin and out of all proportion to its American neighbor, some recent attacks have left their mark on the imagination: in 2018, in Toronto, the ram-truck attack on Finch Street in the north of the city and then the shooting on Danforth Avenue, both of which claimed victims, or the April 2020 massacre in Nova Scotia, resulting in the death of more than twenty people. These may be isolated incidents, but they have increased in recent years. That said, as a general rule, there is nothing to worry about in Canada, even as a woman travelling alone.

Time difference au Canada

The second largest country in the world, Canada has six time zones: Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic and Newfoundland. While each time zone is one hour apart, only 30 minutes separate the Atlantic and Newfoundland time zones. For example, when it is noon in France, it is 3:00 a.m. in Vancouver, 4:00 a.m. in Calgary, 5:00 a.m. in Winnipeg, 6:00 a.m. in Montreal, 7:00 a.m. in Halifax and 7:30 a.m. in St. John's. Please note that the time change in the fall and spring is not the same as in France, and some areas of Canada remain on standard time year round.

Spoken languages au Canada

Canada's official languages are English and French. Although English is the majority language, French-speaking communities are present in every Canadian province and territory. Provincial governments may, however, define their own official language(s) for communications and services. For example: English and French in New Brunswick, French in Quebec, English in Alberta, and English, French, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun in Nunavut. Canada is also a veritable cultural and linguistic mosaic, with over 200 languages spoken by different cultural communities. So don't be surprised to hear languages from every corner of the globe. Finally, there are over 70 Aboriginal languages in Canada, grouped into a dozen linguistic families.

Communication au Canada

Telephone coverage is excellent in major centers and the southern half of the country. However, in some more remote areas, notably the northern provinces, and in a large part of the Canadian territories, only satellite phones work, and even then. If you take out a cell phone subscription in Canada, especially with low-cost operators, be sure to check coverage, as it may be limited to a few towns or a single area.
As for wifi, finding a connection is not a problem in the southern half of the country and the major centers in the northern regions. Airports, bus and train stations, hotels (beware: some luxury hotels offer this service at extra cost), restaurants, cafés, bars, cultural venues, etc., are generally equipped with wifi, most of them free of charge. Free public networks are also available in many parts of major cities. In remote areas, however, Internet access can be complicated or even non-existent.
Libraries, some hotels and cafés also make computers available, sometimes free of charge. But self-service computers are gradually disappearing from the landscape...

Electricity and measurements au Canada

110 volt alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz. The plugs are flat like in the US (not round like in Europe). Bring an adapter to use European appliances such as a shaver or hair dryer, and make sure they accept this voltage. If necessary, you should also bring a current transformer.
When it comes to measurements, things get a bit tricky. Although Canada adopted the metric system more than 40 years ago, Canadians also use the old measures (inch, foot, pound, ounce, quart, gallon, etc.). For more information: metric-conversions.org/en
As for shoe sizes, a woman's 38 corresponds to 7 (which is equivalent to 39.5 for men). For clothing sizes, women's 40 is 12; men's 44 is 34.

Luggage au Canada

Summers are hot, especially in the south of the country. However, air-conditioning and cool evenings in the countryside or mountains require woollens and a windbreaker. Don't forget your swimsuit, a backpack for hiking and mosquito repellent.

In spring and autumn, a lined raincoat is a must. In winter, bring a hat, mittens and a scarf, as well as an anorak, warm clothing and fur-lined boots. That said, the climate varies greatly from coast to coast, so it's imperative to find out what's going on before you leave. For example, winters tend to be rainy on the west coast, while the central and eastern parts of the country often experience cold snaps. And for those planning to explore more remote areas or Canada's Far North, good equipment preparation is imperative.

Daily life au Canada

Hello? au Canada

On a cell phone, calls within the country are free, as long as you have a Canadian number. To make a call, you must always dial the area code (3 digits) + the seven digits of the local number. Phone numbers beginning with 1 800, 1 833, 1 844, 1 855, 1 866, 1 877 and 1 888 are the equivalent of toll-free numbers in France. For long distance and overseas calls from Canada, opt for a prepaid calling card. You will find them easily (department stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, cell phone stores, etc.).
In Canada, many telephone companies sell prepaid SIM cards or monthly plans and you will get a local telephone number. This is the most economical option if you intend to use your phone frequently and make local calls. However, you should be aware that a phone purchased from a French operator is generally "blocked" and will only accept SIM cards from that operator. You must ask your operator to unlock your phone before leaving (which is not always possible).

Accessibility au Canada

Although there is still a long way to go, Canada is becoming increasingly accessible to people with physical limitations. Already, in many major cities, most public transit systems are making all or part of their stations, subways, buses and trains accessible. The same is true for long-distance transportation, where many companies are implementing industry best practices for universal accessibility. Across the country, ramps are also installed at the entrance of various businesses and tourist attractions, etc. However, it is recommended that you check the level of accessibility in advance, especially for transportation. To learn more about accessible tourism, visit the websites of provincial and territorial tourism offices. Local organizations, such as Kéroul in Quebec, can also provide a list of establishments that are fully or partially accessible for people with reduced mobility, or that offer services to people with visual or hearing disabilities.

Health au Canada

All regions of the country have hospitals and clinics. Specialized centers are located in major cities. You can find a list of health care facilities on the website of the Ministry of Health and Social Services in each province and territory.
As for medications, they are not sold ready-to-use, in bottles labeled by the laboratories, as in Europe. Here it is the pharmacist who prepares the bottle, filling it with the exact number of pills prescribed by the doctor, and who writes the dosage of the prescription on the label, thus avoiding waste and abuse of medication. If you think you need prescription medication, it is best to take the prescription with you. Pharmacies are like drugstores, with a "Prescriptions" counter staffed by a pharmacist. Some major chains in Canada: Familiprix, Guardian, Jean Coutu, London Drugs, PharmaChoice, Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall. Big box stores also offer, in most cases, an on-site pharmacy service.

Emergency numbers au Canada

Throughout Canada, 911 is the emergency number for contacting an ambulance, the fire department or the police. This number is free of charge, whether it is dialed from a landline, a cell phone or a pay phone. 911 is available 24 hours a day.

Securty au Canada

Although still low, the crime index in Canada has been rising slightly in recent years. It should be noted, however, that the majority of crimes committed in this country are actually property crimes. Although Canada remains a safe country, much more so than its French cousin and out of all proportion to its American neighbor, some recent attacks have left their mark on the imagination: in 2018, in Toronto, the ram-truck attack on Finch Street in the north of the city and then the shooting on Danforth Avenue, both of which claimed victims, or the April 2020 massacre in Nova Scotia, resulting in the death of more than twenty people. These may be isolated incidents, but they have increased over the past few years. That said, as a general rule, there is nothing to worry about in Canada, even as a woman travelling alone.

LGBTQ au Canada

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2) people are protected from discrimination and harassment based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. What's more, same-sex marriage has been legalized in Canada since 2005.
While Canada is particularly gay-friendly, with rainbow-colored neighborhoods in many cities, some incidents of verbal and/or physical aggression do occur. These may be isolated cases, but they will always be one too many.

Embassies and consulates au Canada

All embassies are located in Ottawa, including those of France (ca.ambafrance.org), Belgium (canada.diplomatie.belgium.be/en) and Switzerland (eda.admin.ch/countries/canada/en/home.html). To obtain the contact information of the Consulates General and Honorary Consulates in Canada, please consult the embassy's website.

Mail au Canada

As of January 13, 2025, postage for a standard letter (letter-size envelopes and postcards, maximum 30 grams) costs CAN$1.44 within Canada, CAN$1.75 to the U.S. and CAN$3.65 internationally (allow 4-7 business days for Europe). Post offices are usually open weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Some stores, such as pharmacies, have postal centers that are generally open later, as well as on weekends.

Local media au Canada

Several daily and weekly newspapers are on sale in different parts of the country. While they are more often in English outside Quebec, there is a whole network of French-language print and digital media across the country. These include L'Acadie Nouvelle in New Brunswick (acadienouvelle.com), L'Express in the Greater Toronto Area and South Central Ontario (l-express.ca), La Liberté in Manitoba (la-liberte.ca), Le Franco in Alberta (lefranco.ab.ca) and L'Aurore boréale in the Yukon (auroreboreale.ca). To keep abreast of Canadian francophone news, we also recommend the Francopresse website, which covers the whole country, including minority communities (francopresse.ca), not to mention #ONfr, which covers francophone news not only in Ontario, but also across Canada (onfr.tfo.org).
On the radio front, there are a host of stations across the country, many of them francophone. You'll find a list of many of them on the websites of the Association des radios régionales francophones (arrf.ca) and the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (radiorfa.com).
ICI Radio-Canada (ici.radio-canada.ca) and its English-language counterpart CBC (cbc.ca) are Canada's public broadcasters, for both television and radio. On the small screen, the most popular private general-interest channels are Noovo and TVA in French, and CTV and Global in English. There's also TFO, Ontario's French-language television channel (tfo.org), TV5Unis, a channel featuring original content from outside Quebec (tv5unis.ca), and APTN, the Aboriginal Peoples Network, which broadcasts several programs in French (aptn.ca). TV5Unis also retransmits some French, Belgian and Swiss programs. France 2's newscasts are also broadcast there.
And, as everywhere else, community media (newspaper, radio, television, web) have a strong presence in Canada.