Canada

The crime rate in Canada is similar to Australia.

Crime is more likely in larger cities.

Petty crime

Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen at tourist spots and hotels and on public transport.

Theft from unattended cars is common in larger cities.

As in Australia, credit card scams and fraud can happen.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• look after your belongings in public
• regularly check your credit card account and report suspicious activity to your bank
• monitor local sources of information on crime

More information:

• Internet, email and telephone scams

Canada has experienced isolated terror attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Bears and other dangerous wildlife live in forested areas.

To protect yourself if you plan to travel through these areas:

• get local advice before hiking
• respect wildlife laws
• maintain a safe and legal distance from all wildlife
• use reputable and professional tour operators
• follow park regulations and wardens' advice

Winter sports can be dangerous, even fatal. Injuries are common.

Some mountainous areas of Alberta and British Columbia experience avalanches. It's unsafe to ski, snowboard and ride skidoos (snow mobiles) on closed trails.

If you plan to do a winter sport or activity:

• check your travel insurance covers it
• don't enter closed trails
• tell friends or family where you're going and when you expect to return
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Canada experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• extreme heat and cold
• fire
• earthquakes
• avalanches and landslides
• hurricanes and tornadoes
• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• check the weather and environmental conditions
• subscribe to local emergency alert systems
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media, Environment Canada, and the US National Hurricane Center for information and weather alerts

More information:

• Get prepared

Severe weather, tornadoes and hurricanes

Temperatures in summer (June to August) can reach more than 30°C. Humidity can make the temperature feel 10 to 15°C higher. These conditions can generate severe storms and tornadoes, especially across the provinces of:

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba

Tornadoes occur between April and September in many areas, including:

• southern Ontario
• Alberta
• south-eastern Quebec
• from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba to Thunder Bay

Temperatures in winter (December to February) of -20 to -30°C, with a wind-chill factor 10 to 15°C lower, are common in some areas. Heavy snowfalls, rain, ice and severe cold create dangerous outdoor conditions.

Hurricanes occur in the Atlantic provinces from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• flights could be delayed or suspended
• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect access to ports.

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• identify your local shelter
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

More information:

• Environment Canada

Forest fires

Forest fires are common, particularly in warmer months from May to August.

To stay safe in fire season:

• check local media before visiting forested areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

Earthquakes and tsunamis

British Columbia is in an earthquake zone. Earthquakes have also happened in Quebec and Ontario.

Destructive tsunamis are rare but could happen if there's an earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.

If you're near the coast, move to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Canada. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Contact Health Canada for rules that may apply to medications you wish to take or that may be detectable in your body.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Health risks in Canada are similar to those in Australia.

More information:

• Health Canada

Medical facilities

The standard of health facilities in Canada is similar to Australia.

You might not be able to access public health care unless you're a resident of a Canadian province. There's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and Canada.

Walk-in clinics are found in major cities. Many doctors won't take new patients.

Expect to pay up-front for medical services.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Check the local legal drinking age before buying or drinking alcohol. The legal age varies across the country.

The recreational use of marijuana (cannabis) is legal in Canada, subject to local restrictions. 

Make sure you know the local cannabis laws about:

• legal age
• possession
• purchase
• sharing
• impairment
• production

It's illegal to transport marijuana across Canada's international borders.

If you break the law, you can receive criminal penalties, including jail time.

More information:

• Cannabis laws and regulations
• Carrying and using drugs

Other laws

Seek legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

More information:

• Surrogacy and adoption

Being arrested

If you're arrested in Canada, you have the right to ask for access to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Canada recognises dual nationality.

If you're a Canadian dual national, you must:

• use your Canadian passport to enter and exit Canada
• make sure your Canadian and Australian passports are valid for the duration of your trip

Dual nationals aren't eligible for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).

Even if you're a dual national, you may not get free health care in Canada. See Health

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa conditions

Australian passport holders must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Canada by air.

If you  arrive by car, bus, train, or boat you don’t need an ETA or a visitor visa, but you do need to bring the right travel documents.

If you overstay your visa, you may be detained or arrested.

If you have a criminal record, including a drink-driving conviction, you may not be allowed into Canada. Check Government of Canada for details.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact a Canadian embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry and transit requirements. Check with an embassy or consulate of the United States.

More information:

• Visit Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Travel advice for the US

Travel with children

If you're travelling with children or pets or bringing goods into Canada, you may need documentation. Check with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Your child should carry a consent letter from non-travelling parents or guardians if they're travelling:

• alone
• with only one parent or guardian
• with friends, relatives or a group

CBSA may question the child or accompanying adult about their status.

More information:

• Travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

You can change Australian dollars at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Declare all amounts over $C10,000. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Driving permit

To drive in Canada, you'll need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian licence

Get an IDP before you leave Australia.

You can drive for up to 1 year with an IDP and your Australian licence. After that, you'll need a local driver's licence.

Road travel

Heavy snowfalls, freezing rain and icy conditions make driving dangerous in winter. Car accidents happen more frequently in these conditions.

If you plan to drive in Canada:

• learn local traffic laws
• check weather
• check road conditions
• use snow tyres, which are compulsory in many provinces
• carry water, food and blankets
• drive to conditions
• don't drink and drive

Traffic laws can differ between provinces, but across Canada:

• seat belts are compulsory for everyone
• children under 40lb (18kg) must use child car seats

More information:

• Canadian Automobile Association
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis

Taxis are a safe mode of transport.

Ride sharing options are widely available.

Use the same safety precautions you would in Australia.

Sea travel

Many international cruise liners visit Canada.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Canada's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Travel to the Arctic

The Arctic is vast and remote.

Access to search and rescue, evacuation and medical facilities may be limited. It can take several days for emergency help to arrive, especially in bad weather.

For your safety, before you book travel by ship:

• assess the on-board medical facilities
• consider any pre-existing medical conditions
• talk to cruise operators about medical arrangements
• find travel insurance that covers evacuation, medical treatment and the cost of returning home

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Australian High Commission, Ottawa

Contact the Australian High Commission in Ottawa if you're in:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario (excluding the south-western corner below Kingston)
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec

Australian High Commission, Ottawa
Suite 1301, 50 O'Connor Street 
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 CANADA 
Phone: (+1 613) 236 0841 
Fax: (+1 613) 786 7621 
Email: consular.ottawa@dfat.gov.au 
Website: canada.highcommission.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia in Canada
Twitter: @AusHCCanada

Australian Consulate-General, Toronto

Contact the Australian Consulate-General in Toronto if you're in the Greater Toronto Area (the south-western corner of Ontario below Kingston).

Australian Consulate General, Toronto 
Suite 1100, South Tower 
175 Bloor Street East 
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8 CANADA 
Phone: (+1 416) 323 4280 
Fax: (+1 416) 323 4295

Australian Consulate, Vancouver

Contact the Australian Consulate, Vancouver if you're in:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon Territory

Australian Consulate, Vancouver
Suite 2050, 1075 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3C9 CANADA 
Phone: (+1 604) 694 6160 
Fax: (+1 604) 684 1856

If you need other consular help:

• check the High Commission website for opening hours and any temporary closures at each office
• book appointments for passports and consular services in Canada by visiting the 'Australians' tab on the site

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia