Arrival & Getting into Town

Between Cities

• Flights: Air Canada and WestJet cover the entire country. Vancouver to Calgary takes about 1.5 hours, Toronto to Vancouver about 4.5 hours. Given Canada’s size, flying is recommended for distances over 500 km.
• VIA Rail: Frequent service on the Toronto–Montreal–Quebec City corridor, with direct trips taking 4–5 hours. The Toronto–Vancouver Canadian, a cross-country scenic train, takes 4–5 days.
• Driving: Must drive or join a tour for the Rockies, Icefields Parkway and Cabot Trail. A valid driver’s license in English or with an official translation is accepted in most provinces. In winter, use snow tires and check road conditions (via the 511 system).
• Long-distance buses: FlixBus and Rider Express serve the eastern corridor at low prices.

Urban Transit

• Toronto: Subway, streetcars and buses. Use a PRESTO card or tap your bank card directly; free transfers within 2 hours.
• Vancouver: Three SkyTrain lines cover the city. Use a COMPASS card; night bus N-Line is available.
• Montreal: Extensive subway coverage. Use an OPUS card. Underground city walkways offer a way to avoid the cold in winter.
• Taxis: Uber and traditional taxis are both available. App-based fares are more transparent.

Tips

• For driving in the Rockies, it’s best to pick up your car at Calgary Airport. Highways 1 and 93 are well-maintained but have strict speed enforcement.
• Cell service is limited in national parks—download maps offline before your trip.
• Winter car rentals must include snow tires, which are mandatory in Quebec.
• Yellowknife has no public transport; most aurora tours include hotel pickup.