Canada Travel Advice
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, located in North America and bordered by the United States to the south and Alaska to the northwest.
Known for its diverse landscapes, from forests and mountain ranges to prairies and coastlines, Canada is also famous for its multicultural society.
Canada is recognized for its high quality of life, extensive social programs, and a reputation for welcoming immigrants. It is a member of international organizations like the UN, NATO, and the G7, playing an active role in global affairs.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Extreme winter conditions in Canada can lead to many highway closures, particularly in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. You should check your local weather conditions and follow any advice offered as snow storms and avalanches can prove fatal.
British Columbia and Yukon are at risk of earthquakes however there have been no severe earthquakes for a long time. You should be aware of safety procedures, local authorities and local news will inform you of what to do if there is an earthquake.
Forest fires are the most serious natural hazard in the country and can breakout at any time. Fire hazards are high in heavily forested and grassland areas of western Canada. You should remain wary to the threat of forest fires at all times, comply with any total ban fire regulations and ensure you know procedures to follow if you encounter a forest fire.
Visiting Canada FAQsHire a bodyguard in Canada
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Canada, please visit our website for our services in the Americas.
Key Information for Canada
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance emergency: 911 can be used to reach all emergency services.
Country Overview
Capital City: Ontario
Official State Language(s): English and French
Official State Religion(s): Christianity
State Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Canada?
Canada's security status is generally stable, with low levels of violent crime and a strong rule of law.
The country faces typical urban crime, such as petty theft and fraud, particularly in large cities. Terrorism risks remain low, but the government remains vigilant against potential threats, including domestic extremism and cyber threats. Border security and immigration controls are robust, and Canada maintains strong partnerships with international security organizations like NATO. Social unrest is uncommon but can arise from political or economic protests.
Canada is currently managing a range of crises, including environmental, social, and health-related challenges:
Wildfires: Canada has faced severe wildfire seasons in recent years, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta, causing widespread evacuations and environmental damage.
Housing Crisis: Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are experiencing housing shortages and affordability issues, with rising property prices and rents.
Healthcare Strain: Canada's healthcare system faces pressure due to staff shortages, long wait times, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These crises continue to test the country’s resilience and resources.
Visiting Canada FAQsHealth Emergencies in Canada
Health emergencies in Canada are generally well-managed due to the country's robust healthcare system.
Ticks are common in many parts of Canada, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. They can transmit diseases, most notably Lyme disease, which is spread by black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). The risk of tick bites is higher in spring, summer, and early fall, especially in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and the Atlantic provinces.
West Nile Virus is present in Canada, particularly during the summer and early fall months when mosquitoes are active. It is primarily found in southern regions of provinces like Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While most people infected with West Nile Virus experience mild symptoms or none at all, severe cases can lead to neurological illnesses.
Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality: Frequent wildfires, especially in the summer, have created significant air quality issues, leading to respiratory problems.
Key Security Issues
Canada has a relatively low incidence of terrorism, but it faces some risks from both domestic and international terrorism. Key concerns include lone-wolf attacks by radicalized individuals, often inspired by extremist ideologies, both from Islamic extremist groups like ISIS and right-wing extremist movements. Notable incidents include the 2014 Ottawa shooting and the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack.
The Canadian government has implemented stringent counterterrorism measures and cooperates closely with international partners, including the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, to monitor and prevent threats.
Incel extremism in Canada has been identified as a growing threat in recent years. The term "incel" refers to individuals who identify as "involuntarily celibate" and express hatred or resentment toward women, blaming them for their lack of romantic or sexual success.
One of the most prominent incidents tied to incel extremism in Canada occurred in 2018, when a van attack in Toronto resulted in the deaths of 10 people. The attacker had expressed incel-related motivations. Canadian authorities have since recognized the potential for incel-inspired violence as a form of terrorism, taking steps to monitor and prevent such attacks.
Incels have been classified under the broader category of ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE), which includes not only misogynistic violence but also other hate-driven ideologies.
Crime in Canada
Canada is generally considered a safe country, but, like many nations, it experiences certain levels of crime. Property crime, such as theft, burglary, and vandalism—is the most common type of crime in urban areas, particularly in larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. While violent crime rates, including assaults and homicides, remain low compared to global averages, certain areas and social conditions see higher rates of incidents. For example, cities with larger populations and some Indigenous communities face higher rates of violence.
Organized crime also plays a role in Canada's criminal landscape, particularly in relation to drug trafficking and gang activity, though the general public is rarely affected by this directly. Cybercrime is on the rise, as in many developed countries, with individuals and businesses increasingly targeted by fraud, identity theft, and online scams.
Gun-related violence is notably low in Canada compared to the US., largely due to stricter firearm regulations. However, gang-related shootings and homicides do occur, especially in larger urban centers.
Canada’s law enforcement agencies, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local police forces, work to maintain public safety, while the government also invests in social programs aimed at addressing root causes of crime, such as poverty and substance abuse. As a result, Canada continues to be one of the safer countries globally, with the majority of both residents and visitors experiencing low levels of risk.
While crime is relatively rare, Canadians are still advised to take precautions such as securing their belongings and being vigilant in urban areas, particularly at night.
Global Travel AdvisoriesFAQs for visiting Canada
You can find the following embassies in Canada for the US and UK:
British High Commission Ottawa
80 Elgin Street,
Ottawa,
Ontario,
K1P 5K7,
Canada
Telephone: +1 613 237 1530
Email: [email protected]
U.S. Embassy Ottawa
490 Sussex Drive,
K1N 1G8 Ottawa,
Ontario,
Canada
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +613 688 5335
Emergency telephone: +613 238 5335
Telephone: + 514 398 9695 (Montreal)
Emergency telephone: +514 981 5059 (Montreal)
Email: [email protected] (Montreal)
Telephone: +416 595 1700 (Toronto)
Emergency telephone: +416 595 6506 (Toronto)
Email: [email protected] (Toronto)
Telephone: +604 685 4311 (Vancouver)
Emergency telephone: +604 685 4311 (Vancouver)
Email: [email protected] (Vancouver)
Telephone: +418 692 2095 (Quebec)
Emergency telephone: +418 692 2095 (Quebec)
Email: [email protected] (Quebec)
Telephone: +403 266 8962 (Calgary)
Emergency telephone: +403 266 8962 then press '0' (Calgary)
Email: [email protected] (Calgary)
The visa requirements for visiting Canada depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit:
Visa-Exempt Countries:
Citizens of certain countries, including the UK, US and most EU nations, do not need a visa for short stays (up to 6 months) but may require an Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Your contact details
Your onward or return travel tickets
Proof of a hotel booking or other accommodation details
You can access Canada's official immigration website through this link: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This site provides detailed information on visa requirements, immigration programs, and application processes for visiting, studying, working, or moving to Canada.
In recent years, Canada has seen an elevated threat from terrorism, including both domestic and international influences.
One of the most significant threats comes from lone actors inspired by extremist ideologies. For example, a terror plot targeting the Jewish community in Ottawa was thwarted in December 2023, where individuals with ties to ISIS were arrested. This highlights the ongoing threat posed by both Islamist extremism and right-wing extremism in the country.
December 2023, Ottawa: Authorities arrested a youth plotting a terrorist attack on the Jewish community. The plot was connected to ISIS, highlighting ongoing concerns about both international and domestic radicalization.
October 2014, Parliament Hill Attack: One of the most notable recent incidents, when a lone actor opened fire at Parliament Hill, resulting in the death of a Canadian soldier.
Canada remains vigilant against potential threats, with its National Terrorism Threat Level set at "Medium," meaning that a terrorist act could occur. This threat level has remained unchanged since 2014 due to ongoing risks from both religiously and ideologically motivated violent extremism.
Despite these incidents, Canadian security forces work closely with international partners to prevent further attacks and maintain public safety.
Additionally, following the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Canadian security agencies warned that extremists motivated by this conflict could carry out attacks on crowds at protests or cultural events. The risk of these ideologically motivated acts of violence remains a concern for Canadian authorities, particularly in large urban areas where demonstrations and gatherings occure.
Despite these incidents, Canadian security forces, including the RCMP and CSIS, remain proactive in monitoring and countering potential threats, maintaining overall public safety.
Before visiting Canada, it's essential to ensure you're up to date on several vaccinations and immunizations to protect against potential health risks. Here are the recommended vaccines:
Routine Vaccinations: Make sure you're up to date on standard vaccines, including:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Influenza
Hepatitis A: This is recommended for all travelers, as you can contract Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Canada.
Hepatitis B: If you plan to have close contact with local residents or engage in activities that may expose you to bodily fluids, such as healthcare work, this vaccine is recommended.
Typhoid: Particularly advised if you're traveling to rural areas or eating outside of major tourist hubs where food hygiene may be less regulated.
Rabies: While not common in urban centers, rabies vaccination is recommended if you plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, or if you expect to be in close contact with animals.
Lyme Disease: Ticks are a growing concern in Canada, particularly due to their role in transmitting Lyme disease. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas, and their presence is increasing as climate change creates more favorable conditions for their spread, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and parts of the Atlantic provinces.
It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to ensure you're fully protected based on your specific health history and travel itinerary.
Public Transportation in Canada
Canada has a well-developed public transportation system, particularly in larger cities, although the quality and options can vary by region.
Major Cities: Public transportation in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa is reliable and diverse, with a combination of buses, streetcars, subways, and light rail. For example:
- Toronto operates the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), which includes buses, streetcars, and subways.
- Vancouver offers the SkyTrain, a driverless light rail system, alongside buses and ferries.
- Montreal features the STM (Société de transport de Montréal), which runs buses and an extensive metro system.
Intercity Travel: For travel between cities, options include:
- VIA Rail, which provides train services between major cities across the country.
- Greyhound and other regional bus services connect cities and towns.
- Flights are commonly used for longer distances, as Canada’s vast geography makes domestic air travel a convenient option.
Rural Areas: In rural areas and smaller towns, public transportation can be limited or nonexistent. In such areas, taxis, ridesharing services (like Uber), and car rentals are more commonly used.
Driving in Canada with a Foreign License
You can drive in Canada using a valid foreign driver’s license for short-term stays, usually up to 90 days. Some provinces may allow you to use your foreign license for up to a year. It's recommended to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your license information into English and French.
If you are planning to stay in Canada long-term, the requirements to drive on a foreign license vary by province. After the allowed period, you may need to apply for a Canadian driver's license, which could involve taking a driving test or exchanging your foreign license, depending on your home country and the province you are in.
Road Conditions
Canada has a well-maintained road network, but weather conditions, especially in winter, can make driving challenging due to snow, ice, and freezing rain, particularly in provinces like Quebec and Ontario. Make sure to use winter tires if driving in colder months.
For more detailed information, consult the official Government of Canada or provincial transport websites, or check with your local consulate.
Our closest office
For any enquiries about our security services in Canada, please contact our London office and our team will assist you.
Intelligent Protection International
330 High Holborn
WC1V 7QT
London
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 207 4566740
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Canada is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.