- Do Canadians speak French? While French is Canada’s official second language, it is not spoken by all Canadians. The French-speaking population of Canada is concentrated in the east of the country, near Quebec. You will encounter some people in other areas of the country who speak French, but it is not the norm.
- Do I need to tip in Canada? Tipping is expected in Canada. It is reasonable to tip 15 – 20% on meals. You are liable to be prompted to tip in many other scenarios as well, including taxis, coffee shops, hair stylists, tour operators, and more. In these instances, the amount of the tip is left entirely up to your discretion.
- Am I likely to see wildlife? Whether or not you spot wildlife really depends where you visit in Canada, however, generally speaking, wildlife sightings are common. While you shouldn’t expect to see any large animals in major cities, there is always the possibility of spotting something in natural areas. Canada is known for bears, wolves, mountain lions, deer, beavers, moose, caribou, and more.
- Is it always freezing in Canada? While Canadian winters are typically quite cold, the summer months are actually quite pleasant. Of course, the temperatures will be dictated by your geography, but in most places in Canada, you can expect average summer temperatures of 23 degrees and higher (in some places MUCH higher, up to 40 degrees)
- What’s the best way to travel within Canada? Because Canada is such a massive country, it’s easiest (and likely cheapest) to travel by rental car. Within big cities, there are reliable public transportation systems, but in smaller towns, public transportation is usually lacking; plus, waiting for a bus isn’t particularly fun when it’s raining or snowing outside. If you’re traveling between cities or provinces there are buses, and sometimes trains, but travel by these methods isn’t particularly comfortable, and it can be surprisingly costly. Renting a car is the most efficient, and the best way to travel because it gives you the flexibility to visit harder-to-reach locations, which also tend to be the most impressive!
- What is a signature Canadian dish that I need to try? Canada’s most widely known delicacy is probably maple syrup, which is a tasty complement to pancakes or french toast in the morning. However, if you’re looking for something truly and uniquely Canadian, you must try poutine. This greasy dish composed of french fries drizzled with gravy and topped with cheese curds may be the world’s best hangover food. Try it at least once during your visit, just to say you did!
![](https://ihomestay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_6295-300x225.jpeg)
Students
Benefits of Staying in a Homestay
Moving to a new city Moving to a new destination is both daunting and exciting. On arrival, you’re in unfamiliar surroundings, and it takes time to