Visiting Canada From Australia

Canada is enriched with…

Natural beauty: The iconic Niagara Falls, the Rockies, the Northern Lights, and the Bay of Fundy, etc.

Fascinating historic places: Nova Scotia, Old Fort Erie, St. Andrews by the Sea, L’Anse Aux Meadows, Fortress of Louisbourg, etc.

Urban cities: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa, etc.

More and more Aussies are visiting Canada because of stunning snowy sceneries, cruising routes, and wildlife. On top of that, Canada has the reputation of being one of the friendliest countries in the world.

If you are a citizen of Australia then definitely you will love exploring all the natural beauties we have mentioned above.

Australians can search ‘Canada visa for Australian citizens’ online to get detailed information.

To ensure a smooth trip, keep reading this blog because we are here to offer you all the information needed for an Australian to plan a trip to Canada.

Visa & Travel Authorization Requirements

Australian passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Canada but they must apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before travelling to Canada by air.

The nationals of Canada visa-exempt countries include Australian citizens and they are mandated to obtain a Canada eTA. Therefore if you are from Australia then you will not have to obtain a Canada visitor visa for Australian citizen to visit as a tourist instead they can simply opt for an eTA which is an easier alternative.

Canada eTA Eligibility for Australians

Canada eTA is only required for tourist, business or transit visits.
Applicants must be above the age of 18 or their guardians need to submit the application on behalf of them.
Australians need an eTA only if they travel by air.

Step-by-step guide to applying for an eTA

Applying for an eTA is quick and simple because it takes only a few minutes. Find out the steps mentioned below:

Open a website that is reputed and has the facility to apply for an eTA online.
Open the eTA application form.
Enter the information on your passport page, personal details, and contact details.
Pay the required fee.
Check your registered email ID for a confirmation message regarding your Canada eTA.

Remember, you should be in good health and should not have any criminal history.

Processing Time, and Validity of an eTA

The processing time of the Canada eTA is up to three days. Usually, applications get processed within a few hours but some people may face unexpected delays.

Surprisingly, the validity of Canada’s eTA remains up to 5 years starting from the date of issuance. The validity of Canada’s eTA is also linked to the travellers’ passports. The Canada eTA remains valid for up to 5 years or until the applicant’s passport expiry, whichever appears first.

Booking Flights & Best Time to Visit

First, know all direct flights available from Australia to Canada and popular routes.

Air Canada, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Qantas are the airlines that fly directly from Australia to Canada. Some popular routes are Sydney to Vancouver, Sydney to Toronto, Brisbane to Calgary, Melbourne to Vancouver, and Brisbane to Vancouver.

Let’s explain the best season in Canada so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

You may be a winter person or a summer lover, therefore we have given a Vs between both the extreme seasons in Canada. You choose based on your preference.

Winter

January is the coldest month in Canada, and in northern regions, temperature can go down below -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter sports are very much preferred by the visitors during this season. Along with that, tourists enjoy Christmas and get the chance to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Summer

June to August is the summer season, also the peak season for visitors in Canada. This season is ideal for outdoor activities, and too many festivals and events happen across the country.

Here are some tips to book cheap flight tickets:

Be flexible with your travel dates
Search for flights in Incognito mode
Compare the price of tickets
Book flight tickets early
Use flight rewards
Consider landing on destinations that offer cheaper flight rates.

Currency, Budgeting & Payment Methods

Before planning a trip to Canada, check the currency exchange rates online. It will help you to create a budget and plan your trip accordingly from your home country.

You should carry credit cards, enough cash, and travel cards all three to avoid any time of issues in transaction.

While budgeting you should consider what will be your daily travel expenses. Choose your accommodations, transportation mediums, trip activities, and cuisines depending on your budget.

Here are some budgeting tips for you.

Choose affordable destinations
Travel during off-seasons.
Book flight tickets in advance.
Reserve accommodation in advance.
Utilize public transportation mediums.
Opt for budget-friendly lodging like hostels.
Cook your own meals.
Avoid going to expensive restaurants.
Seek out low-cost activities.

Top Destinations to Explore in Canada

If you are a city-lover then you should visit the top tier cities with your Canada visitor visa. These are Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. You will get to experience the urban lifestyle and high energy of the city.

People who want to escape from the noise of urban life and want to blend in with the serene nature should visit Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, and Jasper National Park.

Tourists who are planning a unique trip should consider experiencing the Northern Lights in Yukon, French culture in Quebec, and whale watching in British Columbia.

There are many more destinations to explore in Canada because the country is huge.

Cultural Etiquette & Local Tips

It does not matter where you travel, you should understand Canadian customs and manners. One important thing that you should remember is that Canada has a tipping culture. So if you dine at a restaurant or take any type of service from any service provider you should consider tipping them.

Transportation & Getting Around

If you are on a lean budget then you avail the public transport and avoid roaming in the top-tier cities like Vancouver and Toronto. It is because these types of urban cities are expensive. You can travel by trains, and buses to cover long distances instead of renting cars. Avoid booking domestic flights to move across the states of Canada. For your convenience, you should start using apps and tools to get transport easily. For example search for cab booking apps and websites that are widely used all over Canada.

In this way, you can explore Canada without spending too much money on transportation.

Plan Your Trip to Australia from Canada

Now you know how you can apply for a Canada eTA to visit Canada as a tourist. It is your time to obtain an eTA instead of a Canada visa for Australian citizens.

If you want more information on this topic then search ‘Canada visitor visa’ online.

First, obtain a Canada eTA then book the flight tickets. Make sure to book your flight ticket during the best time. Know about the currency, budgeting and payment methods. Choose the top destinations we have mentioned above to make your trip to Canada memorable.

Visiting Canada From Australia – How to Prepare