Canada holds a special and magnificent place among the countries that millions of people dream of. Approximately 50 million tourists visit this country every year. The country's geography, unique nature, climate and famous cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, as well as countless tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls have made Canada an "ideal travel destination" for everyone. For example, Toronto is known as the economic and cultural center of the country, while Vancouver is famous for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. Montreal, as a city influenced by French culture, is an ideal destination for those who want to feel the European atmosphere.
Canada's nature is a wonder in its own right. The northern part of the country has vast forests, mountains, and lakes. It offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and winter sports. Canada is also home to one of the world's most popular winter sports, ice hockey. This sport is not just a sport for Canadians, but also a culture and tradition.
One of the most important things to consider when planning a trip to Canada is the country's climate. Canada is a country that experiences all four seasons. The winter months are particularly cold, but this makes the country a season full of winter sports and festivals. The summer months are particularly mild and comfortable, making it an ideal time for summer fun. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about how to get a Canadian visa, how to participate in hockey and other adventures, and everything you need to know to explore this unique country.
Places you must see in Canada
There are many places to see and things to do when traveling to Canada. This country offers activities and sights to suit every taste. There are vast forests, mountains and lakes for nature lovers, ancient cities for history buffs, and ice hockey arenas for sports fans. Let's explore the wonders of Canada together:
Banff National Park
Banff National Park, one of Canada's most famous natural wonders, is located in the province of Alberta. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, this park is a true paradise for nature lovers. Activities here include hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter months. Lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the park's most popular attractions and are ideal for photographers. In the winter months, this area is popular for sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Canada and is located in the province of Ontario. This waterfall is on the border of both Canada and the United States and amazes visitors with its magnificent scenery. You can make your day memorable with boat tours and helicopter tours here. The view of the waterfall, especially at sunset, will give you an unforgettable experience.
CN Tower
The CN Tower, a symbol of the city of Toronto, is one of the tallest buildings in the country. This place is a popular place for both locals and tourists. From the CN Tower, you can enjoy a view of the entire city. There is also the opportunity to walk on the edge of the tower, called "EdgeWalk", at a height of 356 meters above the ground. This is a real adventure for adrenaline lovers.
Ice Hockey Arenas
When traveling to Canada, watching a live ice hockey game will be a real experience. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks are the country's most famous hockey clubs.
- Toronto - Scotiabank Arena: Home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, this venue is a must-visit for hockey fans. The atmosphere of the arena and the excitement of the fans during the game will give you unforgettable moments.
- Montreal - Bell Centre: Home to the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre is an ideal place to get acquainted with the history of hockey. Here you can both watch a game and see exhibits related to the history of hockey.
Old Quebec
Quebec City, one of the oldest cities in Canada, is an ideal destination for those who want to feel the atmosphere of Europe. Old Quebec is the historic part of the city and has narrow streets, old buildings and a variety of restaurants. While walking here, you will feel like you are in Europe. In the winter months, you can go skiing and ice skating here.
Whistler Blackcomb
For those interested in winter sports, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most popular ski resorts in Canada. Located near Vancouver, this resort is an ideal place for both professional and beginner skiers. During the winter months, it is possible to practice skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports here. In addition, the resort also has a variety of restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues.
Stanley Park
Located in the heart of Vancouver, Stanley Park is an ideal place for those looking to get away from city life. This park is known for its wide paths, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Here you can ride a bike, go for a walk, or just listen to the sounds of nature. The park also has an aquarium, beaches, and various sculptures.
Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica
One of the most famous historical monuments in Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. This basilica is famous for its rich decorations and colorful stained glass windows. The atmosphere inside the basilica will give you peace and tranquility. It also hosts various cultural events and concerts.
Transportation in Canada
Canada is known for its vast territory and well-developed transportation network. The main means of transportation within the country include buses, subways, trains, and airplanes. In large cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, subway and bus lines are widespread and provide convenient movement within the city.
Trains are a popular means of transportation for long-distance travel in Canada. VIA Rail is the country's largest rail company and offers rail service between major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Train travel is both a comfortable and scenic option.
Overnight stay in Canada
Canada offers a variety of hotel options to suit every budget. In major cities, there are international hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn. These hotels offer high-quality service and comfortable rooms.
For those looking for a more affordable hotel, hostels and guesthouses can be an ideal option. These types of accommodations are especially popular with young travelers. It is also possible to rent private apartments through platforms such as Airbnb.
Daily Expenses in Canada
Daily expenses in Canada vary depending on the city you are traveling to and your lifestyle. In larger cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, daily expenses can be higher. As a rough guide, a daily cost is as follows:
- Food: Daily food costs range from about 20-50 CAD. A meal at a restaurant can cost 10-20 CAD, while fast food can cost 5-10 CAD.
- Transportation: Public transportation tickets within the city range from 2-4 CAD. Day passes can cost 10-15 CAD.
- Accommodation: Hotel prices range from 80-200 CAD. Hostels can cost between 20-50 CAD per night.
- Entertainment: Entrance fees to museums, parks, and other tourist attractions range from 10-30 CAD.
What Do I Need to Go to Canada?
Planning a trip to explore the beauty of Canada is everyone's dream. But the first step to making this dream a reality is to familiarize yourself with the visa application process. Obtaining a visa for those who want to travel to Canada may seem difficult at first glance, but with proper preparation and planning, this process can be easily solved. Here are all the details about the visa process:
Canada Visa Types
If you wish to travel to Canada for tourism purposes, then it is important to apply for a Canadian tourist visa. The reasons for applying for this type of visa include tourism, visiting family or friends, business trip, medical examination or treatment, short-term study, exchange programs and other purposes. If you intend to study in Canada for more than 6 months (bachelor's, master's, doctoral, etc.) or start a permanent job, it is possible to apply for a Canadian national visa (residence permit) based on an official invitation or acceptance letter from an educational or work institution.
Canada Tourist Visa
The Canadian tourist visa is also known as a “Visitor Visa”. This visa is multiple-entry and is issued for the same length of time as your passport is valid. For example, if your passport is valid for 10 years, the Canadian visa is also issued for 10 years. Once you have obtained the visa, you can stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months without interruption. Since it is a multiple-entry visa, you can leave the country after the 6-month period and then return again to stay for an additional 6 months.
Documents Required for Canada Visa Application
When applying for a Canadian visa, the following documents are required:
- Original copy of foreign passport and copy of the first page
- Copies of previous visas and entry-exit stamps (if available)
- Copy of ID card
- Reference from the workplace* and salary slip (for students, a reference from the educational institution) Reference from a bank account in your name and a statement (detailed information on the amount is given below)
- Document confirming your civil status* (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children or a document on the dissolution of marriage)
- 5x4.5 size photo, taken on a white background
- Airline ticket reservations
- Hotel reservations
- Application forms filled out in English
- Document confirming payment of visa fee
- Official invitation letter if applying for a business trip
- Letter from the Cultural Bureau in case of sponsorship
Documents marked with an “*” must be submitted in English. If the text of the documents is in Azerbaijani, a notarized translation into English and certification process must be carried out.
The amount of money in your bank account may vary depending on the duration of your trip, the prices of your chosen flight and hotel reservations, and other factors. In general, it is recommended to have at least 5,000-7,000 AZN or the equivalent in euros or US dollars in your bank account for a week-long trip. This amount should cover all expenses related to your trip. When calculating expenses, it is advisable to plan for a higher amount, taking into account that you will spend an average of 70-80 dollars per day in Canada, in addition to the prices of tickets and hotel expenses.
If you are an entrepreneur, instead of providing a certificate from your place of work, you can submit the following documents to the embassy: a copy of your TIN, a certificate of turnover from the Ministry of Taxes, and an extract from the register of your company. If you are unemployed, studying, or if you are presenting another individual as a sponsor to cover travel expenses, a copy of that person's ID card, a certificate from your place of work (if an entrepreneur, the documents mentioned above), a certificate and an extract from your bank account must be submitted. The bank account can be in both your name and your sponsor's name. If you have a family relationship with the sponsor, a document proving this (for example, a birth certificate if it is your parent or sibling, etc.) and a document on sponsorship must also be attached. If a child under the age of 18 is traveling, a written consent document from both parents or one parent must also be submitted when applying for a visa.
Please note that when submitting your TIN, certificate from the Ministry of Taxes, your company's extract from the register, sponsorship document, and other authorization documents, they must be notarized and translated into English.
Visa Procedure
There are two main ways to apply for a visa to Canada:
Online Application
In the online application process, the applicant first creates a personal account on the online portal. After logging in, he/she selects the type of visa he/she wishes to apply for, answers the required questions, and then is presented with a list of required documents (including application forms). After all documents are uploaded to the system, the application is approved and you are redirected to a new page for payment. The payment process is carried out online. At the next stage, the applicant receives notifications about the next steps in his/her account. When the notification arrives, he/she must print it and go to the nearest visa center with his/her passport to provide fingerprints.
After fingerprinting, the visa process officially begins. The applicant receives a notification of the result through their account. If the response is negative, the reason for the refusal is also noted. If the response is positive, the original passport is required for affixing the visa sticker. The applicant prints the notification and presents their passport to the visa application center. From there, the center takes your passport and sends it to the Canadian Embassy in Ankara for affixing the visa sticker. This process takes approximately 6-8 business days.
Application on Paper
When applying on paper, original copies of your passport and other required documents are submitted to the visa application center. The center sends these documents to the Canadian Embassy. Application forms are first filled out electronically, then printed, signed and submitted with the documents. At the same time, your fingerprints are taken.
The visa fee is paid online and the receipt received after payment is submitted along with the documents.
Once the visa result is known, if the visa is approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. If it is refused, your passport will be returned with the refusal notice.
In general, the application process for a Canadian tourist visa takes 150-210 business days.
Visa fees are as follows: 100 CAD (Canadian dollars) embassy fee, 85 CAD biometrics fee, and 100 AZN visa application center fee. The 100 CAD and 85 CAD fees are paid online, while the 100 AZN fee must be paid in cash at the visa center.
Chances of Getting a Canadian Visa
When applying for a visa to Canada, as with embassies in other countries, your chances of getting a visa depend on your personal profile. The stability of your job and the quality of your position, your monthly income above the average salary (based on experience, visas are repeatedly granted to people earning around 700-800 AZN), showing the amount in your bank account that can fully finance your trip, factors that confirm your commitment to the country (property registered in your name, the presence of family and children), and a good travel history are among the main factors that increase your chances of getting a Canadian visa.
If you have no previous travel experience, such as Schengen or other visas, applying for a Canadian visa can be considered risky. However, if you have a good travel history and have previously obtained visas from countries such as Schengen, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this significantly increases your chances of obtaining a Canadian visa. According to experience, having an active US visa also gives you a great advantage when applying for a Canadian visa.
Canada Visa Support
We, at Vizam.az, can provide you with full support during your Canada visa application. The visa support services we offer include the following:
- Making an appointment on your behalf at the visa center
- Filling out application forms
- Professionally preparing and uploading your documents into the system
- Booking flight tickets to cover your trip
- Booking hotels or selecting them according to your requirements
- Preparing your travel itinerary for the visa
- Consultation and monitoring the visa procedure
In addition, we can assist you with notarized translation and certification of your documents into English. The additional fee for each document will be 16 AZN. Our total service fee is 525 AZN per person.
To place an order or for more information, click here or call 010/50/55-3000135.
Don't forget to enjoy the fun in snowy Canada. Happy travels!
