Destinations >> Canada Overview

The northern most country in North America is also the world’s second largest, boasting 3.85 million square miles of expansive stretches of forests, mountains and metropolitan city skylines. Where the United States has 50 states, Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories, which are like states only bigger. The country is about as diverse as it is large, offering everything in the way of attractions like glaciers, mountain climbing, fishing and skiing to a diverse food scene and urban adventures. It also has the largest amount of doughnut shops per capita in the world.

Cheat Sheet

Sleep in a winter wonderland at Quebec’s Ice Hotel – Eat some Pizza-ghetti in Montreal – Drink the night away at Windsor’s Ariius Nightclub – See the streets of Quebec’s Old City – Shop for hours in Metropolis, B.C’s largest mall – Get Outside and wonder around Stanley Park Vancouver – Don’t Miss the skies light up at the Celebration of Light – http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/

What to Do in Canada

When you visit Canada, you’ll want to get outside and explore. There are an endless number of outdoor activities and attractions to draw you in. If you haven’t already visited the U.S. side of Niagara Falls outside Buffalo, you will want to go to Ottawa to visit the falls from the Canadian side. On the other side of the country you’ll find Gwaii Haanas National Park, which makes up the bottom third of its namesake archipelago off the coast of British Columbia. People like to call it Canada’s Galapagos because of the variety of plant and wildlife found there like the old-growth rain forests of spruce and cedar trees. Skiers wanting to hit the slopes should head to Banff or Whistler. For a truly magical experience, head to the Northwest Territories for fishing, mountain climbing and seeing the Northern Lights. For a more urban scene, hit the shops in Toronto or go on a foodie holiday in Montreal.

What to take to Canada

Depending on the time of year and location in Canada that you’re traveling to, you may need anything in the way of a swimsuit and flip flops to ski boots, hand warmers and a down parka. That can be a lot of gear. You can ship luggage to Canada instead of lugging it all with you to the airport. If you’re traveling to Quebec, you may want to brush up on your French, it is one of the official languages spoken in the country and the province has the highest concentration of native speakers. Also, don’t forget your camera as there will be endless photo-worthy moments to capture throughout your visit.

What to buy in Canada

Canada is symbolized by the maple leave emblazoned on its flag, so it should come as no surprise that there are no shortage of maple products — syrup, butter, cookies and candy — to bring back with you. Hockey is a Canadian import, so fans of the game may want to pick up a jersey from their favorite Canadian team. Canada also has a booming beverage industry. It’s hard to find Molson Canadian beer west of the Mississippi and in other countries, so if you take a liking to it in Canada, you may want to bring some of Canada’s signature brew home along with a bottle of Crown Royal Maple whisky. Keep in mind that after a visit of 48 hours you can take back $800 worth of merchandise, duty free, monthly. If you make a quick visit (under 48 hours) or have already used the $800 up on a previous visit, a duty exemption of only $200 is allowed.

How It Works in Canada

Forget the hassle of negotiating luggage at the airport. Ship your luggage seamlessly to and from Canada with Luggage Free. When you’re on your way, just pack your luggage as you normally would and Luggage Free will pick it up from your home or office whenever you schedule a pick-up, delivering it to your hotel or place of lodging guaranteed. On your way home, the process is reversed and Luggage Free will pick up your luggage from your hotel and deliver it back to you safely.

Luggage Free’s white-glove service also makes shipping luggage within Canada a breeze. All you have to do is follow the steps above and Luggage Free will ensure that all your gear and items you’ve picked up along the way make it to your next destination within the country — without you having to life a finger.