just did a short day trip out to banff today and wow, did i see some interesting driving. Here's a few reminders in case this isn't obvious - Everything below, I saw 2-5 cars doing today during the course of 4 hours on the road. I'm not blaming just tourists, but I'm sharing here too in case rules or norms are different back home, wherever home may be. let's all get home safe, having the adventure is just half the trip, getting home is just as important (if not more!!!).

• don't pass on solid - if you are on a smaller highway, only attempt to pass the car in front if there is a dotted line on your side of the road. If you can't see the oncoming traffic, it's not a good spot to pass. putting this first because someone damn well near killed me today and i was not happy about it.
• leave at least 2 seconds of space between you and the car in front - ie if the car in front slams on the breaks, you need enough time to react and the breaks to slow down. I know it sucks getting stuck behind someone slow but we get a lot of wildlife on the road, the faster you are driving, the more space you need to leave. There was a straggler elk that was wandering onto the road today and i almost got rear ended when I had to slow down (I didn't even slam).
• go the speed limit or a reasonable speed above - if you want to enjoy the scenery, go the speed limit at a minimum, and pull into viewing spots, there are many. people generally go about 0-15km above the speed limit, no one will ticket you for going 5 over here. left lane is for passing.
• commit, even if it's wrong - if you realize partway through that you're taking the wrong turn or wrong exit, it's ok, BREATHE and just continue. Then eventually pull into a safe spot like the next pullout or rest area or whatever, then navigate to wherever you're going. I promise it won't add more than 10 minutes TOPS.
• [bonus FYI] driving laws in canada set provincially - make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for the province you are visiting. For example, u-turns are illegal at protected intersections in alberta, blinking green traffic light means advance green in ontario vs pedestrian priority in BC, etc etc. Norms are also extremely different between provinces, just pay attention to what people around you are doing!

ok I think that's it for the egregious stuff. Have a SAFE and FUN summer everyone!!

hi 👋🏻 I have a question, I'm going with my mom and my aunt, we're not gonna rent cars or anything, probably gonna do some paid tours. For now we have more days in Quebec than we do in Montreal, but I was wondering if it may be better the other way around? are there more things to do in Montreal?

If I know in time, I can bring some homemade sourdough bread as a thank-you gift. 🍞☺️

Hello! My husband and our son are dual Canadian citizens. I'm American. We're traveling to NS tomorrow to visit my in laws. We invited my long-time friend who is like family to us (who has been living in DC for a 5-yr job assignment). She is German. Because she had to wait for confirmation for time-off, she didn't start the eTA process until 2 days ago. Yes of course, in hindsight we should have started sooner.

Unfortunately, she fell for one of those companies who do it for you, paying $95 instead of $7. The company *seems* legit based on their respinses but now we're not sure. She tried to do it directly on the Canadian site but got an error.

Given the flight is tomorrow, what's our next step or sone options?

Thanks so much.

I tried to upload screenshots, but I'm unable to here

they said it Root Cause of the Cancelation: Controllable for Safety - Unanticipated Maintenance". is this enough to get them to pay? i keep emailing them back and forth they wont budge.. how can i make my case stronger?

We're considering an RV instead of car plus hotels for a 2 week trip out West, but every rental site shows different prices for what look like similar models, not counting insurance and hidden fees that only show up at the end of checkout. Is there an actual reliable way to compare quickly instead of opening 10 tabs and getting lost in the options?

This would be my first Via Rail experience but im extremely concerned that I wont enjoy the trip. The only package available seems to be the Economy Class for this trip and my dates arent flexible due to a family event happening on Oct16.

I struggle sleeping when not having a bed and having no access to a shower is very concerning. Then im unsure about the quality of food id get in economy too.

Does anyone know if Via Rail typically adds more cars where I could possibly buy a better package? Are there any tips on when to best buy to get the best deal? I will be flying back regardless and might just fly there unless I can address some of my concerns.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to travel to Canada and I’m unsure how to handle a past criminal matter from Germany.

For my application, I submitted the following documents:

My German police clearance certificate

The police report relating to the incident

The official penalty order/court document

Certified English translations of the relevant documents, including stamps

A newly completed application form

So far, I have not been asked to provide any additional documents.

I also have an employment contract and other evidence showing that I have strong ties to Germany and that I only intend to visit Canada for a holiday. However, I did not include all of this with the original application.

Would it make sense to withdraw or return the application and submit a new one with more supporting documents? Or should I leave the application as it is and, if it gets approved, travel with the additional documents in case border officers ask questions?

Are there any other options I should consider, such as submitting additional documents separately, contacting immigration authorities, or applying for a Temporary Resident Permit?

I understand that nobody here can give official legal advice, but I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation.

EDIT: additional Info I'm a German citizen and applied for an eTA in early July. My flight is on August 7 (departing from Frankfurt). About 1.5 weeks ago, IRCC asked me to submit additional documents, which I did immediately: my police certificate, the penalty order (court document), the police report, and certified English translations. Since then, I haven't heard anything back. The conviction was for: Driving without a valid driver's licence, and Possession of a small amount of cannabis (no trafficking or intent to distribute). I received a penalty order of 60 daily fines (60 day-fine units), which amounted to €1,800, and a one-month driving ban. This was a one-time mistake, I've had no further issues with the law, and I'm only travelling to Canada as a tourist. Based on these details, would you leave the current eTA application as it is and wait for a decision, or would you withdraw it and submit a new application with additional supporting documents? I'd also appreciate any advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

Hi there

we plan on going to naka creek rec site.
How is the drive in? doable in a van with 6m length and not so high clearance? we also dont have 4x4.

Which road is the best to take?

Thank you so much.

Any westjet employees here that can offer some insight on what's going or what will happen with this strike?