The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond

Travel Guide

Getting Around Canada

Flights, trains, road trips, and ferries — how to cross the world's second-largest country.

Overview

Canada is enormous — Vancouver to St. John's is farther than London to Riyadh. Planning your in-country transport early is the single biggest factor in how much your trip costs and how much you actually see.

Domestic flights

Air Canada and WestJet cover every major city, with regional carriers (Porter, Pacific Coastal, Calm Air) filling in the gaps. Book domestic flights three months ahead for the best fares, and consider flying into one coast and out the other to avoid backtracking.

Rail

VIA Rail runs the legendary Canadian, a four-day trans-continental journey from Toronto to Vancouver through the prairies and Rockies. The Corridor service between Québec City, Montréal, and Toronto is fast and frequent. Beyond that, train coverage is limited.

Driving

A road trip is the most rewarding way to see Canada. Most international licences are valid for visitor stays. Distances are vast — Banff to Jasper is 290 km, Toronto to Montréal is 540 km. Allow generous fuel and rest stops, especially in northern or remote stretches where the next station may be 200+ km away.

Ferries

BC Ferries connects Vancouver to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Marine Atlantic links Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. The Inside Passage ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is one of the great scenic voyages of North America.

Quick tips

  • Rent your vehicle from a major airport — downtown locations charge more
  • Winter tires are mandatory on most BC highways from October to April
  • Download offline maps before driving in the Rockies or anywhere north of 60°

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Straight answers from travellers who have been there.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Most foreign licences are valid for short stays, but an IDP is recommended as a supplement and may be required by some rental agencies.
Is it safe to drive in Canadian winter?
Yes, if you're prepared. Winter tires are essential, speed limits drop in snow, and highways are well-maintained. Avoid driving in active blizzards.
What's the cheapest way to travel between provinces?
Buses like FlixBus or Megabus for short hops; budget domestic flights for long distances. VIA Rail deals exist but are less frequent.
Are rideshare apps available everywhere?
Uber and Lyft operate in most major cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, rideshare is limited — you'll need a rental car or local taxi.

Keep reading

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Before You Go

Visas, eTA & Entry Requirements

Whether you need an eTA, a visitor visa, or just a passport — and what to expect at the border.

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Money & Budget

Money, Tipping & Daily Costs

How much to budget per day, how tipping really works, and where to get the best exchange rate.

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What to Pack

Packing by Season

A season-by-season packing list for a country that swings from -40°C in February to +35°C in July.

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Culture & Etiquette

Culture & Etiquette

Why Canadians really do apologize that much, plus the unwritten rules of being a polite guest.

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