Canada vs America: What You Should Know Before You Go to Canada

Thinking of heading to Canada on vacation? Here are some of the differences and similarities that the US and Canada share. Helpful for first time and third time visitors to Canada. The costs, the driving, the food and much more.
Filmed in Ottawa, Canada
Copyright Mark Wolters 2014

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We travel with a Microsoft Surface everywhere we go. I edit my videos on it & use it to backup my pictures and vides while we travel. It’s light and the best travel laptop on the market in my opinion.

We use Sony Alpha series cameras to film our videos. They are compact so you don’t look like a super tourist when you take great pictures and videos while you travel.

We use Manfrotto Tripods. They are compact, travel well, and honestly I would not use another tripod for my nice cameras.

Travel Plug that works in pretty much any country & has four USB ports. A must for any traveler.

Want to grab some great gear? We have used Osprey Packs for years & swear by them. Check them out here

Need some clothing for your next adventure? Patagonia has some pretty good stuff for all kinds of travelers.

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[bltlife]

"I see less road rage in Canada" Are you sure you've been to Quebec? lol

[brucebrooker]

The metric system...the weird metric system. You know, like the whole world uses the metric system.

[colinknight]

DO NOT DRIVE TO/IN CANADA DURING WINTER MONTHS WITHOUT SNOW TIRES!!!
Please, please, please PLEASE rent a car with WINTER tires, none of this all season BS. All season is only good till 7 degrees Celsius . 

[johncrandall]

No road rage in Canada? I'm guessing you didn't drive the 400s in southern Ontario

[jkub]

what all americans should know is they're welcome here.

[kelgs]

I would say a place like Vancouver is a lot closer to Seattle in culture then say Huntsville Alabama.

[HydraBox]

Keep in mind west Canada is not not east Canada. There not the same.

[FashionAplenty]

Very nicely done and I'm Canadian :) 

[mkp]

If it's the ATM from your bank they don't charge

[MrTB]

U have not driven enough in Montreal. Montreal has been voted the worst driving city in North America. Take it from a guy who lives here, no one knows how to fkn drive here lmao

[cfraimondo]

Tim Hortons is far superior to Dunkin Donuts. We're lucky enough here in Buffalo to have Tims at practically every street corner. It's the most Canadian influenced city in the US.

[anacadian]

An extra note about French in Canada; In the Maritime provinces, you have the Acadians, and Acadian culture. It's a completely separate culture from Quebec, with a different history, and even a different dialect and accent.
About a third of people in the Maritimes are francophones, most of whom are Acadian.

[farmerx]

if you use a $100 bill to buy something that costs 2 $ we will give you back 97 loonies 3 quarters 2 dimes and a nickel

[itsnotme]

For the money exchange, always check to see if your bank has a "partner bank" that they are associated with.
I haven't been to Canada since 2006...but when I was last there in Toronto, my bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance and by going to Scotiabank, I was able to avoid the usual ATM fee. They will still hit you with a foreign transaction fee of 3% (usually) unless you are one of the bank's "preferred members" and they waive those for you.

[kens]

You forgot to mention in Ottawa (in the market) there is a pastry called a Beaver Tail. It's a flat deep fried pastry....Cinnamon and lemon is good flavor.

[HeritageInmoshun]

One major reason why restaurant food is a lot more expensive in Canada is more expensive because servers Canada get paid minimum wage and tips, in the US many restaurant servers don't get paid minimum wage and they are expected to earn the rest through tips.
On the other hand everything is more expensive in Canada, except for health care and higher education.

[TheSensfan]

He forgot to mention in America when someone shoots you the person just runs away, in Canada when someone shoots you he will say sorry eh than run away.

[Dan_The_Dude]

Just a couple of other things to consider:
1. Quebec isn't the only province that speaking primarily French; New Brunswick is also heavily francophone, and there will be chunks- mostly in Eastern Canada- that speak more French than English. If you're super worried about not knowing the language, stick to Western Canada.
2. This may only be in Western Canada, but every traffic light I've seen is the same as the ones I've seen in the US.
3. Although Canada may seem safer, don't let your guard down completely. We still have murderers and pickpockets and rapists. Don't leave valuables unattended, lock your doors, et cetra, et cetra.
4. If you bump into someone, apologize, even if you don't think it was your fault. The stereotype of Canadians apologizing a lot is definitely true, so when in doubt, apologize.
5. When talking to locals, don't make fun of how we say "about" or how we spell "neighbour" or "centre". Some people are good with poking fun at our language, but others aren't, and you don't want to offend people.
Hope this helps anyone visiting Canada!

[DHARMYOGCOM]

this guy will move to Canada after retirement. welcome anytime

[CH-ohmr]

really enjoy these videos, moving from Ireland to Toronto myself in under 3 weeks - some useful tips here even though it was a comparison to the US