Visa process:
– I definitely needed a visa for this trip. I have a multi-year visa, which permits multiple entry into Canada. The application process was completely online and I had to mail my passport to the Canadian embassy to get the visa embossed into my passport. The entire process took a couple of weeks to complete but it was worth it. I find the Canadian visa application very streamlined. The instructions are clear, the process is fair and the duration of the visa awarded is generous.
Overall:
– I visited Ottawa, the Canadian capital this time around (post here). I have previously visited Montreal and Toronto (will blog about these at a later date). Ottawa is where my younger sister goes to school and I get to visit her a couple of times in the year and enjoy some Canadian sights with her.
– The food in Ottawa is great! The city has European influences, which is a plus for a foodie like myself. There is always a new restaurant in the city, which means that I will always be fed to my heart’s content!
– The one thing about Canada that I’m not a fan of is the fact that their sales tax is high! I’m talking between 13% and 15% depending on the province you are in. Coming from Boston where we enjoy a 6.25% sales tax, everything in Canada despite the US dollar exchange rate advantage, seems a little bit pricey.
– I liked the fact that most places accepted US dollars. They gave back change in CAD (Canadian Dollars) but the fact that you don’t have to stress out about changing money before or on arrival is always a plus. They also accept major credit cards so if you prefer getting points with your travel cards then you are all set.
Would I go back?
– Canada is one of my favorite countries. There, I said it! I love the people. I love how friendly they are. How accommodating they are. I am a fan of great service and Canada comes a close second to the US in customer service.
– I would most definitely go back for the food. I would love to update my Eaters Guide to Ottawa. I would also love to create Eater Guides for Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
– Despite the tax, shopping in Ottawa is slightly reminiscent of European shopping especially if you hit up the boutiques. You are always sure to find one of a kind pieces!
Recommendations:
– Start your visa application process 3 to 6 months before you travel. The Canadian visa process, while straightforward, has many steps to complete before submission. Allowing yourself enough time for processing will ease any stress that usually goes along with a visa application.
– Download and update the Uber app. I live and die by public transportation. It’s one of my favorite ways to get to know a new city. But public transportation in slightly above zero degree weather is not for me! So Uber saves the day!
– Have a couple of restaurants in mind ahead of your arrival. If you are a foodie like myself, I usually like asking around via friends who have visited a place before, Instagram or Yelp! where the best places to eat in a city will be. Once I have a couple of restaurants, I allow myself the chance to get lost … I ask servers, doormen, strangers on the bus, where the bus the best places to eat in the city are.
– If in the Northeast of the United States, I recommend driving to Canada. It’s one of my favorite drives and the immigration process at the border is no hassle at all. If coming in from other places, I would suggest flying in. Purchase your tickets 3 months before your trip or set a flight watcher through Google or The Dollar Flight Club for when cheap flights pop up!
