Airplane
Due to Canada’s large size, travel between regions and major cities is often done by airplane. All main cities have airports with regularly scheduled flights to and from many destinations. Two airlines, Air Canada and West Jet, have the largest network of routes. Smaller airlines offer flights between airports within more limited regions of the country. If you are travelling to a location that does not have a main airport (for example, a town or rural area), then you will need to fly to the nearest main airport and either rent a car or take a bus to your final destination. To fly in Canada, you need a piece of photo identification issued by the federal, provincial or territorial government in Canada, or a foreign passport.
You can get more information and buy tickets by consulting airline websites or at most travel agencies and at airports.
Train
Depending on where you are in Canada, taking the train might be the best way to travel. Canada’s rail network extends across the country, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the east to Vancouver and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in the west. The train is a particularly good option when travelling in Ontario and Quebec along the tracks that link Windsor-Toronto-Ottawa-Montréal-Québec City because there are many trains each day and distances are short. Trains in Canada are safe and comfortable. A variety of essential services are available on trains and at train stations. It is often cheaper to buy train tickets in advance.
You can get more information and buy tickets from Via Rail Canada by visiting www.viarail.ca, calling 1-888-842-7245 or going to a train station in person.
Bus
Catching a bus is generally the cheapest way of travelling between cities and is often the only way of getting to smaller towns if you are not driving a car. Remember that bus travel can be very long due to the great distances involved. Most buses have air conditioning and a washroom on board. On longer trips, stops are made from time to time so that passengers can buy food and other necessities. The largest network of bus routes is run by a company called Greyhound and its affiliates. Other bus companies offer service between destinations in particular regions.
You can get more information and buy tickets at www.greyhound.ca or by visiting your local bus station or contacting a bus company that operates in your area.
Ferry
In coastal areas of Canada such as British Columbia and the Atlantic Region, ferry boats are a common mode of transportation. Many ferries transport both passengers and vehicles.
You can get more information and buy tickets from ferry companies that operate routes in your area. Visit a local ferry terminal or search for ferry companies online. Some helpful links: www.bcferries.ca, www.ferries.ca
Car
Canada has an extensive network of highways, making long-distance travel by car possible between most destinations. Most people do not realize the distance between major cities in Canada. Most cities can not be visited in a day trip. For example, the distance between Toronto and Vancouver is approximately 4,400 km, or about 48 hours of driving. Winter driving conditions can make driving hazardous so be sure to plan your trip.
Source: Welcome to Canada: What you should know
www.cic.gc.ca, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2013.
