Traveling Without A Car in Canada? Try These Options Instead!
Just because you’re traveling without a car doesn’t mean you’re unable to travel across Canada if you wanted to. There are several different modes of transportation that you could choose instead! To learn about these options, read this article!
Canada houses more than 50% of the world’s natural lakes (yes, including your dream destination, the Great Lakes). It boasts of a coastline stretching 243,000 kilometers long. About 50 beer breweries also call the country a home.
We can go on and on about how amazing the Great White North is, but you get the gist. In fact, you may already know so much about it you’ve already decided to see it for yourself.
The question is, how exactly do you travel in a place with 9.98 million sq. km. of surface area? Is traveling without a car of your own an impossible feat?
Nope. Not at all. There are many ways to get around and see the world’s second-largest country, and that’s what we’ll share with you today.
So, keep reading to discover the best way to travel Canada!
Getting to Canada
Did you know that Toronto alone had a whopping 43 million visitors in 2017? Or that people made 20.8 million trips to witness Canada 150?
No wonder then that the Toronto Pearson International Airport sees 129,000 people every single day. This should already tell you that one of, if not the best way to travel to Canada is by air.
Also, there are seven other international airports in the country. All have US government-run pre-clearance checkpoints. This means easier reentry for those coming from (and going back to) the United States.
But don’t forget there are also the cruises to Canada and New England for the sea-lovers out there. Remember, the North Atlantic Ocean lies to its east, the North Pacific Ocean to its left, and the Arctic Ocean on top of it. As such, heading to Canada by water is no doubt also a great option.
Pro Traveler Tip: As a tourist, don’t forget your responsibilities as a traveler abroad. Check if you need a visa, first and foremost. Also, make sure your passport still has more than six months from its expiration.
When in Canada
Now, for the fun part: Traversing Canada once you’re already in it! Let’s take a look at some of your best options to get around this beautiful country without your own car.
Below we’ll cover the most convenient and luxurious to the cheapest ways to travel without a car.
The Coolest, Most Stylish Way to Get out of the Airport
Say you flew in to Toronto. After so many hours in the air (not to mention all the travel time you already spent in other airports), you’d want to relax, right?
So, why not book a Toronto Airport Limousine service? It’s no doubt the easiest and fastest way to get out of the airport. Imagine how awesome it would feel to know that someone awaits you at the airport, ready to chauffeur you to wherever.
Yep, you read that right. You’ll have your very own professional chauffeur to bring you to your hotel or wherever you fancy. Also, since the most reliable limo services employ locals, you can even learn a lot of insider info from your driver!
In any case, a top-rated airport limo service will make sure that once you land, you’ll have less to worry about. Your driver will wait for your arrival and soon as he/she sees you, help you with your luggage. That’s a plus if you’re traveling with golf clubs or other heavy, bulky stuff.
Remember: It can be quite difficult to hail a cab, especially in airports. The last thing you want is to spend even more time waiting, when all you want is to start your vacay.
Besides, there’s no other cooler, fancier, and more luxurious welcome than a sleek, shiny limo.
Getting Around Like the Locals Do
All right, time for some sight-seeing! You finally get to experience for yourself whether the country’s scenery is too pretty to be real!
One of the best ways to do that is by train. Romantic and nostalgic, Canada’s rail system is sure to make your jaw drop as you marvel at all those beautiful landscapes.
Keep in mind though that there’s only one primary passenger train company, the VIA Rail. So, rail travel is best if you have a flexible schedule.
If you’re looking for the cheapest ways to get from Point A to Point B, buses are a great option.
Worry not, as these are safe and comfy. Also, they’re your only option when you want to visit some of the country’s less populated spots.
For an itinerary that involves long-distance routes, Greyhound buses are a good choice. All the company’s buses have built-in restrooms and comfy, reclining seats.
Get Your Fit On
Granted, vacations are a time you should indulge yourself. So many local delicacies to try out after all. There’s the must-try poutine, the Aboriginal staple bannock, and the gastronomic Nova Scotian Lobster Rolls to name a few.
With all these comes the high possibility of gaining weight though. Because it’s a lot easier to gain weight than lose it, why not add a bit of exercise during your trip?
Cycling isn’t only a fun and healthy way to get around Canada. It also affords you some of the most exciting ways to see the country’s breathtaking sceneries. Think Ontario’s Waterfront Trail, Quebec’s Route Verte, and Newfoundland’s Viking Trail for starters.
Plus, you only need to rent a bike and a helmet, get a map of Canada, and you’re in for a great adventure.
More Water, Please
With all that water surrounding the Great White North, it makes complete sense to hop on a ferry! They offer excellent ways to discover the country’s eastern and western coasts. They also have quite the reasonable prices, so there’s often no need to book many days in advance.
Loads of Options When Traveling without a Car in Canada
As you can see, traveling without a car in Canada is 100% doable. From the most luxurious to the most exciting, there are many modes of transportation for you to choose from.
So, why not give them all a try to live (albeit short-term) like the Canadians do?
For more travel tips and tricks like this, explore our blog.