Canada
Organize your trip chronologically to manage tasks effectively.
Steps to take at different intervals before your journey.
Check validity; research Canadian visa/eTA and apply if needed.
Book international flights to Canada and connecting flights to Sydney (YQY).
Begin researching and booking your car rental and accommodation.
Book all your accommodations; popular places fill fast.
Plan your detailed itinerary; book specific tours (e.g., whale watching).
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance; make copies of important documents.
Confirm all bookings for flights, accommodation, and tours. Pack your bags.
Arrange for pet care/house sitting; secure your home; unplug non-essential electronics.
Acquire Canadian Dollars; charge electronics; download offline maps and useful apps.
A small investment of time in research yields significant rewards for your experience.
Comprehensive travel insurance is a wise acquisition. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage issues, providing peace of mind.
Your first few steps upon arriving in Cape Breton Island influence the tone for your trip.
Clear Canadian customs and immigration at your port of entry. Have all your documents ready.
Pick up your pre-booked rental car at Sydney/J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport (YQY) or your designated pickup location.
Navigate to your first accommodation. Use downloaded offline maps or your GPS. Taxis are available if no rental car.
Visit a local VIC located at major entry points like Port Hawkesbury (at the causeway), Baddeck, and Sydney. VICs offer maps, brochures, and local advice.
Confirm your local SIM card is working, or activate your international roaming plan for communication access.
Withdraw Canadian Dollars from an ATM (generally best exchange rate). Purchase any immediate necessities like snacks or water.
Purchase souvenirs a few days before departure. Inquire at Canada Post offices about services and costs for shipping items home.
Remember to factor in shipping time and any potential customs duties for your home country.
For flights from Sydney Airport (YQY), allow ample time for rental car return and airport check-in (aim for 90 mins to 2 hours for domestic flights).
If departing via Marine Atlantic ferry, adhere to the recommended check-in times (typically 2 hours prior to departure).
Ensure your passport and all other travel documents are easily accessible. Confirm your flight times and check for any delays.
Pack according to airline baggage rules to avoid extra fees; weigh your luggage beforehand.
Canada does not have a general VAT (Value Added Tax) refund program for tourists on goods purchased.
Organize your departure to ensure a smooth and stress-free end to your Cape Breton Island trip.
A smooth exit completes a fantastic journey.
Be in the ferry marshalling lanes by the cut-off time if taking the Marine Atlantic ferry.
For driving off the island via the Canso Causeway, there are no specific departure procedures, so plan your drive as any other road trip.
