FAQ about Backpacking Canada

Canada is an incredibly diverse country with stunning natural landscapes, vibrant multicultural cities, and countless adventures waiting to be had. As a premier backpacking destination, Canada offers budget-conscious travelers the chance to explore this beauty through an immersive, affordable experience. This FAQ covers everything you need to know to plan your own Canadian backpacking adventure.

What are the best places to go backpacking in Canada?

With its massive size and terrain that ranges from coastlines to mountains to prairies, Canada has countless remarkable destinations for backpacking. Here are some of the top places to consider:

Banff National Park (Alberta) – Iconic mountains, glacial lakes, and alpine hiking.
Vancouver Island (British Columbia) – Rugged coastal wilderness with surf towns like Tofino.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia) – Winding road with coastal vistas around Cape Breton Highlands.
Torngat Mountains (Labrador) – Remote arctic tundra and Northern Lights.
Niagara Falls (Ontario) – Famous waterfalls plus vineyards and colonial sites.
Montreal (Quebec) – Europe-inspired metropolis with nightlife, parks, and festivals.
Churchill (Manitoba) – The polar bear capital of the world.
Pacific Rim National Park (British Columbia) – Beaches, temperate rainforests, and the West Coast Trail.
Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland) – Massive cliffs, waterfalls, fjords, and hiking.
Yukon – Midnight sun, Northern Lights, mountains, Dawson City, and Klondike history.

What is the best time of year to go backpacking in Canada?

Canada’s immense size means the weather varies greatly across the country. In general:

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and time to enjoy trails and water activities. However, expect crowds in places like Banff and Jasper.

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) see comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, though some services may be closed.

Winter is very cold but offers unique snow adventures. The summer season is also quite short in the Far North.

No matter when you visit, make sure to pack layers and be prepared for changing weather. The wilderness can see snow or storms even in summer.

What gear do I need to go backpacking in Canada?

Canada’s varied climates and terrain requires versatile, lightweight backpacking gear. Here are some essentials:

Backpack (50-80 liters)
Sleeping bag rated for cold weather
All-season tent with rain fly
Insulated hiking boots with ankle support
Quick-dry clothing layers
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Camp stove and fuel
Water filter or treatment tablets
Bear spray for certain areas
Maps and compass

Make sure to research the expected weather and terrain to customize your gear. Renting certain items can also save luggage space.

How can I save money while backpacking Canada?

Canada can be expensive, but with savvy planning you can discover the country on a budget:

Travel in the spring, fall, or winter when prices are lower.
Purchase a parks pass for discounted entry and camping in national/provincial parks.
Check hostel dorms or consider couchsurfing.
Cook your own meals and picnic. Grocery stores offer cheap options.
Use rideshare services between destinations.
Look into travel reward cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Take overnight buses or trains to save on accommodation.
Visit free attractions like public parks, beaches, and museums.
Hike and explore nature rather than doing costly tourist activities.
Get requisite camping permits to allow cheap/free backcountry camping.

What is the best way to get around Canada – train, bus, rideshare?

Canada has good national bus networks like Greyhound and Red Arrow, as well as passenger rail services like VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer. Ridesharing services like Kangaride are also popular for budget travel between major cities. Buses and trains can get you most places, but require planning as some remote towns have limited services.

Is hitchhiking doable in Canada?

Hitchhiking is technically legal but has risks. In remote areas with little public transportation it may be your only budget option. Keep safety in mind by traveling with a partner, only getting in cars that feel safe, avoiding night hitchhiking, and keeping your backpack in the car rather than trunk.

How can I meet other backpackers and travelers?

Popular ways to meet fellow travelers are through hostel common rooms and events, guided tour groups, staying in pod-style hostel dorms, and joining hiking groups or meetups. Be open to conversations at parks, attractions, cafes, and bars in backpacker-heavy places. Exchanging travel stories is an easy way to break the ice.

What are some packing tips for backpacking Canada?

Pack lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable layers you can add as weather fluctuates. Synthetic fabrics work best. Avoid cotton. Bring an all-weather jacket. Have proper hiking boots. Pack multi-purpose travel items like lightweight towels. Use packing cubes to save space. Bring durable, minimal toiletries you can easily purchase there. Always have spare socks!

What are the risks regarding weather and wildlife?

Extreme heat or cold, storms, heavy rain, snow, and ice are risks depending on region and season. Research expected conditions. Risks from wildlife like bears, cougars, and snakes are minimal if you take proper precautions like bear spray, proper food storage, and not surprising animals. Only worry about creatures like black widow spiders in certain areas.

How can I stay in touch on the road without my cell phone?

Some options are buying a cheap Canadian SIM card, using apps like WhatsApp when connected to WiFi in hostels or cafes, carrying an unlocked phone, or purchasing a Canadian plan with roaming. Limit reliance on devices and embrace being unplugged when in the wilderness. Let others know you may be unreachable.

What are good ways to meet other travelers on the road?

Stay in hostel dorms, spend time in common areas, join tours or hiking groups, attend hostel events, visit popular backpacker bars, leave reviews in guestbooks to connect, trade stories with strangers over food or at attractions, and join relevant Facebook groups like “Backpackers in Canada.”

What vaccines and medications should I get for backpacking Canada?

No special vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an affected area. However, some recommended vaccinations and medications include:

Routine boosters like tetanus and diphtheria
Hepatitis A and B
Influenza during flu season
Rabies pre-exposure if spending time in remote areas
Antibiotics for respiratory and skin infections
Oral rehydration salts
Motion sickness medication if prone
Allergy, heartburn, pain relief medications you normally take

Always consult your doctor 4-6 weeks prior to departure for personalized recommendations.

Is backpacking Canada safe for solo travelers?

Canada is an excellent destination for solo travelers. It has low crime rates, excellent infrastructure, and friendly locals. However, exercising normal precautions is still advised:

Research your route to avoid sketchy areas. Only hike with others in bear country.
Tell family and friends about your trip plans. Check in regularly.
Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large cash amounts.
Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept rides from strangers.
Stay in public places like cafes or hostel common rooms to meet other travelers.
Don’t wander alone at night. Stick to well-lit major streets.
Get travel insurance with emergency assistance services.
Know how to contact emergency responders in remote areas.
Trust your instincts and leave if a place doesn’t feel right.

What are some top backpacking routes in Canada?

With endless routes across the second largest country in the world, it helps to narrow options. Here are some classic backpacker routes:

West Coast Trail (Vancouver Island) – 75 km coastal wilderness trail with campsites.

Icefields Parkway (Alberta) – Drive between Banff and Jasper, stopping to hike.

Cabot Trail (Cape Breton) – Scenic coastal driving loop with hikes and camping.

Salkantay Trek (Yukon) – Multi-day alpine hike to Machu Picchu base.

Skoki Loop (Banff) – Scenic 3-day hike through passes and a wilderness lodge.

Skyline Trail (Jasper) – Backcountry hike with views of mountains and waterfalls.

Bruce Trail (Ontario) – Canada’s oldest and longest footpath spanning over 800 km.

Chilkoot Trail (Yukon) – Follow the steps of the Klondike gold rush era.

Fundy Footpath (New Brunswick) – Multi-day hike along the Bay of Fundy coast.

Can I camp anywhere or are permits required?

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry camping in Canada’s national and provincial parks. Permits must be reserved ahead of time and have a fee, but allow you to camp in designated backcountry sites or randomly along certain trails. Camping is restricted to these designated campgrounds or permit areas. Random camping on private property or in non-designated areas can result in large fines. Always research camping regulations before your trip.

How do I stay clean and hygienic while backpacking?

Maintaining personal hygiene while traveling prevents illness. Here are tips:

Use biodegradable soap and wet wipes for washing up daily.
Change socks and underwear daily to avoid blisters and rashes.
Wash hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating.
Carry and use hand sanitizer when water is not available.
Properly treat or filter all water used for consumption, brushing teeth, etc.
Manage toilet hygiene with a portable trowel, toilet paper, and zip lock bags. Bury waste away from water sources.
Avoid swimming in stagnant water to prevent parasites and infections.
Use antibacterial towels and wash laundry when possible. Hang to dry.
Watch for signs of illness like fever or gastrointestinal issues and treat appropriately.

What technical outdoor skills are recommended for Canada?

Certain key skills will enhance wilderness safety and preparedness:

Navigation: Ability to read topographic maps, use a compass, plot routes.
First Aid: Know how to treat injuries, respond in emergencies miles from help.
Bear Safety: Understand proper food storage, waste management, deterrents.
Stream Crossings: Know how to safely cross swollen rivers and streams.
Camping: Practice setting up a lightweight tent and cooking on a camp stove.
Climbing/scrambling skills: Helps in areas requiring non-technical ascents.
Weather forecasting: Check detailed reports to avoid storms and avalanches.
Fire building: Useful for emergency warmth and signaling for rescue.

Consider taking accredited wilderness first aid or navigation courses to boost skills. Starting with easier hikes helps build experience.

How do I prevent or handle altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can occur at elevations above 2,500 meters. To prevent issues:

Ascend slowly. Don’t increase elevation by more than 300-500 meters per day.
Hydrate well and balance electrolytes.
Avoid alcohol.
Eat carbohydrate-rich foods.

I’m not from Canada but plan on backpacking and traveling there this summer. I was also hoping to do some work, how easy is it to get a working visa?

Basically you’ve got a couple options. You can fly by the seat of your pants and show up in Canada and travel and worry about the work visa later, some hostels will even help you apply. But going this route you do potentially risk not getting a work visa by the time you actually need it. (ie job shows up, legally you can’t take it)

What I’d recommend you look into is a local “SWAP” type program. Here in Canada we have www.swap.ca – swap = students working abroad program (note: you don’t have to be a student, just under 30 I think).

A lot of universities in Canada help students plan these working holidays. I would imagine Australia may have the same type of programs. If not, I’d check out STA Travel. When I was in Australia they were a huge help while I was working and traveling. They can answer pretty much any of the questions you may have and can even help book the whole shin-dig.

Check out http://www.statravel.com.au/ or better yet check out their “Work in Canada” experiences section – http://www.statravel.com.au/working-in-canada.htm

STA Travel can even provide packets of information to better educate you what steps need to be taken in order to have the time of your life traveling and working and being as awesome as you humanly can be. 😛

When I got my working holiday visa for Australia and New Zealand these packages STA Travel (or SWAP in Canada) sets up, made the whole process a piece of cake. Just a matter of saving up some money and following their steps.

Hope this was kind of useful. I wish I could help more! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.

Have you ever seen a bear?

Yep. Seen several. Camping in Saskatchewan I came across a Blackbear, in Alberta while mountain biking I came across a mother bear and 2 cubs, which scared the heck out of me, as I know how crazy moms gets around the little ones. Thankfully she didn’t chase. And lastly I saw a grizzly bear (those guys are HUGE) along the highway while I was on a Moose Travel bus with a group of other backpackers. Thankfully we got to watch from a safe distance but it was pretty wild! Beautiful and powerful creatures!

I’ve also seen two polar bears in the wild, while I was up in Churchill Manitoba. Thankfully I was seeing them from quite a distance.

Got any tips on packing with no cash? I plan to pack across the country, but im broke. This would be my first time going on a trip. Oh, also any tips on finding a packing buddy?

Definitely look into WWOOFing http://www.wwoof.ca/. Farmers and people from across Canada let people stay and live for free in exchange for a few hours of work per day. Most of them are farms of some sort and just need help here and there. Typically the hosts are awesome and will drive you to your next stop, which can cut down on time spent with your thumb out. I believe there is a sign up fee but once you pay for your year you have access to their entire database.

As for the packing buddy – start off in any backpacker friendly town and I’m sure you’ll come across another broke maverick such as yourself. Vancouver, Banff, Toronto, Montreal. If you can afford to stay there for a few days you’ll probably have some luck. Stick up a poster on the hostels bulletin board and I’m sure you can find somebody!

How much money do I need to backpack Canada

There’ll always be exceptions to this. Some people can live comfortably off less than others. Those who don’t require the luxuries of a hostel can clearly get away with substantially less, but lets budget on the high-end. Hostels are going to set you back on average $35.00 per night. You’ll also want to budget $5 – $10 for food. Then there’s the chance of meeting some new people and realizing you want to share a few beers with your new friends. A pint of beer typically will set you back around $5, so you’d better budget for $20. That all works out to a grand total of $60 – $65.00 per day. That doesn’t including budgeting for the occasional tour you might find yourself on. Of course if you can resist the temptation of a cold beer & a hostel bed you can definitely get away with less.

Consider spending some time WWOOFing, HelpXing or even camping. Even a couple weeks off the hostel/backpacker circuit can save you some hefty amounts of beer.

Is Canada as expensive as they say?

Mostly yes. Food, beer, and even hostel & hotel beds can be on the pricy end of budget travel. While that might scare you off, remember, it’s scared off countless others before you. Those that have made peace with the higher costs are there for a reason. To see the great outdoors, experience a different part of North America, and to find out how Canada ticks. There is no short supply of backpackers & travellers with stories to tell.

I want to my own “Into the Wild” type of adventure (minus the dying part). Can I get to the NWT, Yukon, or Nunavut for cheap?

Totally do-able. But I urge you to consider taking some survival training. There are countless hostels that are off the grid, chalk full of outdoorsy types. Find a local that has done what you plan on doing before. Pay for some training if need be, and ensure you have all the proper outdoor gear to keep you alive.

The Yukon is the cheapest territory to get to due to its easier accessibility. So I’d say start there!

Is driving a good way to see Canada?

Yes, driving is an excellent way to see Canada’s diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace. Major highways like the Trans-Canada Highway connect all the provinces. Driving allows you to access remote areas and stop spontaneously when something interests you. Rental cars are readily available.

What documents do I need to rent and drive a vehicle in Canada?

You’ll need your valid driver’s license, passport, a credit card for the rental deposit, and possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on where you are from. Some rental agencies may restrict renters under 25 years old.

How can I find the best car rental deals in Canada?

Compare rates online across rental companies. Consider renting from a local company rather than the big national brands. Look for any membership, frequent renter discounts, or coupon codes. Renting for longer periods often lowers daily rates. Avoid renting at airports as they add surcharges.

What are some road trip safety tips for Canada?

Canada’s roads are very safe, but tips include: requiring seatbelts for all passengers, not texting/drinking while driving, adhering to speed limits, watching for wildlife crossings, having emergency kits and spare tires, studying routes to avoid getting lost, and checking road conditions in winter.

Is it feasible to RV across Canada?

Yes, RVing is a popular way to have more freedom and comfort while exploring Canada’s scenic routes. Rentals range from basic campers to luxurious motorhomes. Consider trip length, number of people, and style of RV when comparing rental costs.

Where are the best places to camp with an RV in Canada?

Many provincial and national parks offer excellent RV camping alongside tent sites. Private campgrounds can also be found across the country, offering amenities like hook-ups, wifi, pools, and convenience stores. Free or inexpensive RV camping can be found on some public lands.

What kinds of hostels are in Canada?

Canada has a range of hostel options from rustic lodges to modern properties with trendy amenities. Hi Hostels, Hostelling International, and independent hostels can be found in most tourist destinations. Dorms are the cheapest option for solo travelers, while private rooms work for couples.

Should I book hostels in advance in Canada?

Yes, booking ahead is recommended as hostels in popular places like Vancouver, Banff, Toronto, and Montreal often fill up, especially in summer. You can book directly on hostel websites or via hostel booking platforms.

What are some tips for saving money at Canadian hostels?

Opt for dorms over private rooms, travel in shoulder seasons when prices dip, check membership discounts, use a hostel loyalty program, book directly and well ahead to get the cheapest beds, buy food at markets to cook in hostel kitchens, and take overnight buses or trains when you would otherwise need a room.

How do I find suitable and safe accommodations while road tripping in Canada?

Look for reputable hotel/motel chains in smaller towns or use booking platforms to check reviews and listings. Consider homestays or private vacation rentals for more space and amenities. Stop early and have backup options in case you can’t find a suitable place later at night in rural areas. Avoid deserted rest stops.