Whether you’re planning a visit from just over our Southern border or from halfway around the world, Canada is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. No matter where you call home or what you enjoy doing, a vacation in Canada is a chance to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors, as well as to experience a friendly culture that’ll have you eager to plan your next visit as soon as your last one’s finished. And what better place to experience it all than at luxury British Columbia fishing resorts like Sointula Lodge?
But as with visiting any foreign country, it’s important to do your research first. Even if you’re planning your visit from an English-speaking country like the U.S., U.K., or Australia, there are a few things you should know about visiting Canada and fishing lodges in BC in particular. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to visiting British Columbia fishing resorts for non-Canadians. Keep reading to learn more.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
Canada is famous worldwide for its universal, publicly-funded healthcare system. This system allows citizens free healthcare for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, dental work, and more. However, as a tourist in Canada, you can’t cash in on their free healthcare. That’s why, no matter where you’re traveling from, travel insurance is a great investment.
Depending on the policy and coverage that you choose, travel insurance can cover everything from missed flights to lost luggage to emergency hospital care during your stay outside of your home country. While you might think that you don’t need it if you’re healthy or if you have health insurance at home, in many cases, health insurance policies won’t cover medical costs racked up outside of your home country.
The last souvenir that you want to bring home from your next vacation is a big medical bill. Do yourself a favor and invest in travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings during your trip.
You May Need a Visa
If you’re visiting the Great White North from the United States, you won’t need a visa to get in. Instead, you’ll simply need a passport. If you’re visiting by air, you’ll need a passport book. But if you’ll be driving over the border, you can use a passport card instead.
However, if you’re visiting Canada from somewhere other than the U.S., you may need more than a passport to make it over the border. Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA, for citizens of many countries. You can apply for an eTA online ahead of your trip. The authorization also costs $7 CAD per person in order to apply online.
Some countries that Canada requires citizens of to obtain an eTA from include:
- Great Britain
- Australia
- Germany
- Ireland
- Mexico
- Switzerland
- Spain
Click here for a full list of countries that Canada requires an eTA from.
Citizens of some countries are required to obtain a visa in order to visit, rather than an eTA. This includes many South American and African nations.
Canada is Larger Than You Might Think
With over 2 million fewer citizens than the state of California, it’s easy to assume that the country is smaller than the U.S. But despite being sparsely populated in many regions, Canada actually ranks as the second-largest country in the world.
Surpassed only by Russia in size, Canada stretches more than 3.8 million square miles. That’s a lot of ground to cover—far more than you can see in just one trip, or even one hundred! That’s why it’s best to pick a single destination within Canada for your visit. British Columbia fishing resorts are a great destination for a first visit.
Take Sointula Lodge, for instance. Located on remote Malcolm Island, the resort feels as though you’re in the middle of the famous British Columbia wilderness. But because the island is located off the coast of Vancouver Island, it’s easily accessible by seaplane or ferry boat. You’ll get to experience Canada’s incredible natural scenery, without facing a lengthy road trip or backcountry hiking trip.
English Isn’t the Only Official Language
Many people assume that Canadian citizens primarily speak English. But while you’ll find that most people in Canada do speak English, what you might not realize is that the country actually has two official languages.
English is the mother tongue of just over 50 percent of all Canadians. Alongside English, French is also an official language in Canada. About 20 percent of the population claim French as their mother language. French is primarily spoken in Quebec, where the language is actually more widely used than English. In the rest of the provinces, though, English remains the primary language.
North American-Style Wall Plugs are the Norm
If you’re visiting Canada from Europe, don’t forget to pack an adapter if you want to charge your laptop, camera, and other devices.
Like the U.S. and Mexico, Canada relies on the North American-style wall plug. A simple adapter will allow you to use your existing electronics and cables. Or you can always consider disconnecting for a few days to enjoy your vacation tech-free!
While British Columbia fishing resorts are often known for their rustic appeal, Sointula Lodge offers a more luxurious experience. Our private cabins might feature rustic decor, but you’ll enjoy all of the modern amenities of a hotel or resort, including plenty of places to charge up your electronics before another fun day on the water!
Planning Your Visit to Canada and British Columbia Fishing Resorts
If this is your first time visiting Canada, a stay at one of the many British Columbia fishing resorts is a great choice! At Sointula Lodge, you’ll have a chance to experience the natural beauty that British Columbia is known for, while also enjoying a stay at one of the most luxurious fishing resorts in BC!
Visiting Canada as a foreigner is easier than you might think. But from applying for a visa or eTA to purchasing an adapter, doing your research ahead of your visit will ensure that your next trip goes smoothly!
Now that you know a little more about what to expect as a non-Canadian, it’s time to get planning. Book your 2023 visit to Sointula Lodge today to get started!