Where is it and how do I get there?
Canada occupies most of northern North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward to the Arctic Ocean. Canada shares its borders with the US to the south and the US state of Canada to the northwest. The long haul flight from Australia includes at least one stopover, usually on the US mainland and occasionally in Fiji or Hawaii. Be prepared for jet lag!
To Vancouver (excluding layover) via Los Angeles:
| From |
Hours |
| Sydney |
16 |
| Melbourne |
17 |
| Brisbane |
15.5 |
| Perth |
24.5 |
When to go/weather
Canada has a mild to (very) cold climate, so travel in spring (March to May) and summer (June to August) is the most comfortable time to travel. Unless of course you plan to ski or snowboard, in which case you’ll need to come in winter or early spring.
Vancouver
| Average Daily Temperature (Celsius) |
Average Precipitation (mm) |
| Spring (March-May) - 9 degrees |
80.6mm |
| Summer (June-August) - 16 degrees |
39.9mm |
| Autumn (September-November) - 7 degrees |
115.5mm |
| Winter (December-February) - -3 degrees |
136.1mm |
Toronto
| Average Daily Temperature (Celsius) |
Average Precipitation (mm) |
| Spring (March-May) - 13 degrees |
67.3mm |
| Summer (June-August) - 19 degrees |
71.7mm |
| Autumn (September-November) - 11 degrees |
68.1mm |
| Winter (December-February) - -2 degrees |
64.9mm |
Where to stay
Vancouver 
Westin Bayshore: A resort-style hotel situated on Coal Harbour, the Westin is connected to the 1000-acre Stanley Park and has panoramic views of the city and ocean. There are spacious family suites, an outdoor heated pool and the terrific Westin Kids Club. They even offer boat rental and a free shuttle service within the surrounding area.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: The copper roof of this 1939 château-style hotel dominates Vancouver's skyline. The sumptuous Fairmont features a ultra-luxurious spa, world-class restaurants, glass-annexed pool and a childminding service.
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites: In a great downtown location, the Holiday Inn features a wide choice of comfortable guestrooms and pleasing amenities such as complimentary Internet access, indoor pool, health club, sauna and a kid’s activity centre.
Days Inn: A historic hotel conveniently located near Canada Place, this is one of the few mid-priced hotels in the middle of the CBD. The brightly decorated rooms are good value for families, and there’s a babysitting service and a free shuttle service to the major transport terminals.
Toronto
Delta Chelsea Hotel: Canada’s largest hotel is extremely popular with families so expect to meet plenty of other families enjoying their holidays here! Its popularity is thanks to its central location, wide choice of rooms and suites including kitchenette-equipped rooms and family suites with separate bedroom, bathroom and play area for kids. The fantastic Family Fun Zone includes a waterslides and activity centre and a kid’s camp – Camp Chelsea. Great fun.
Westin Harbour Castle: This elegant, high-end hotel offers some of Toronto’s most spectacular city views. The glamorous modern decor features plenty of marble and glass. The Westin Kid’s Club will keep youngsters amused while mum and dad enjoy the hotel’s luxurious facilities.
Montreal
Delta Montreal: A top quality hotel in a central location, the Delta promises to keep young travellers amused with the Delta Dolphin kids club. The program includes supervised swimming and plenty of time in the activity centre. Kids stay free with their parents and get reduced rates at their Mediterranean restaurant, Aroma.
Courtyard Marriot Montreal: Located in downtown Montreal, the Marriot attracts business travellers and families on a mid-range budget with convenient facilities like self-service laundry, indoor pool and a good breakfast buffet.
Holiday Inn Midtown Montreal Hotel: Kids stay and eat for free at this affordable, mid-range hotel, a short walking distance from some of Montreal’s best shopping and dining areas. Supervised indoor pool, games room and babysitting. Great value for families.
Food and Drink
Canada has a multicultural culinary landscape, with a diverse array of eateries suited to every kind of family. Both the colonial and American influence is strong with excellent European restaurants and top notch American-style fare available all over the country. Naturally, the French influence in Quebec is easily discernible in the cuisine and an experience in a fine dining, or simple, bistro-style Gallic restaurant makes for a very Parisian style experience! Canada’s vast coastline and clean, cold-water rivers produce some excellent fish and seafood. Here you have a chance to try fresh, wild-caught salmon – many say the farmed variety we eat in Australia simply pales in comparison. Canada’s central plains provide high-quality beef and agricultural produce. More unusual produce includes bison, elk and caribou. Canada also produces good wines and cheeses.
What to Wear
Warm clothes are essential for Canada, particularly in winter when the temperatures can drop below freezing. If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities, bring loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Hat and sunglasses are important when outdoors at any time of year. If you'll be visiting the snowfields in winter, warm, layered clothing is a must. Ski jackets, beanies, gloves and snow goggles are a very sensible investment.
Airport
Most tourists from Australia arrive in Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport or Vancouver International Airport, the two busiest airports in Canada. Vancouver Airport is about 15km from the city centre. Toronto Airport is 32km from downtown Toronto.
Transfers From Airport
Shuttle buses run between terminals and between the airport and airport/city hotels at both Vancouver and Toronto airports. Limos, taxis and car rental are also available.
You can also arrange long distance land transport at both airports through Greyhound Buses.
 Getting Around For Families
Canada is easy to get around in with a good, relatively reliable public transport system. The bus network is quite extensive and generally cheaper than the limited train service. One train trip worth considering is the four-day journey Toronto to Vancouver on the famous Canadian. Some of the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the train itself is incredibly charming. Hiring a car is also a good option although current petrol prices are crippling for long distances! Remember, Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road, and you’ll need an International Drivers License.
For very long distances, air travel is more pleasing to impatient kids and bargain-priced tickets can be snapped up from budget carriers like Can Jet and Westjet.
Population
Canada has a population of just over 32 million people. About three-quarters of the population live within 160km of the US border – the rest of Canada is very sparsely populated. Around 40% of Canadians are of British decent and 27% are of French origin. Native Americans make up only 1.5% of the population while other ethnic groups (mostly Asian) make up 11.5%
Culture/Religion
75 per cent of the population belong to the Christian faith: Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Church of Canada. There are numerous other active denominations and religions.
Language
Canada has two official languages, English (59.7% native speakers) and French (23.2% native speakers). French is mainly spoken in Quebec.
Time
Canada has six different time zones to contend with, as well as daylight saving time. Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal operate on Eastern Time (GMT – 5 hours), Vancouver is Pacific Time (GMT – 8 hours).
Currency
The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar. $1AUD equals approximately 80 Canadian cents. Major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in Canada. Most goods and services incur a GST of 7% and you are entitled to claim a rebate for significant purchases.
Tipping
It is customary to tip service staff approximately 10-15% of your bill. This also applies to hairdressers and taxi drivers. Bellhops, doormen and porters generally expect C$1.00 per item of luggage.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.
Health Precautions
No vaccinations are needed to enter Canada.
Tap Water
Tap water is treated and safe to drink in all but the most remote places.
Passport and Visa
Australia citizens do not require a visa to visit Canada for a period of up to six months. You must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
HWK Family Travel Tips
A flight to somewhere as far-flung as Toronto is one of the longest flights you’re ever likely to take for a holiday. It can be especially trying when you’ve got bored, restless kids to contend with. Flights to Canada usually include one stopover, but you might consider breaking the flight up with another stopover, or staying overnight somewhere like Hawaii to break up the journey, lessen the effects of jetlag, get a good nights sleep and maybe even catch some rays (especially if you’ll be in Canada in winter!) Try to book an overnight flight so the kids can sleep for at least half of the journey, don’t forget to bring books and toys on board for when they’re awake and be sure to get up and stretch a few times during your flight to avoid cramping and deep vein thrombosis.
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The second largest country on earth, Canada’s wide borders encompass beautiful, flourishing cities, wild natural landscapes, abundant wildlife and a huge variety of cultures and characters. Canada truly has something for everyone all wrapped up in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a mixture of British, French, American and indigenous traditions. 
