Canada

Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Recreational cannabis is legally available in Canada. Laws vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting. It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada. Those who attempt to take cannabis out of Canada without the relevant permit face arrest.

Airports in Canada have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

See the Canadian Border Services Agency website for more information.

If you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. You should:

• take all rubbish with you including food items to avoid attracting animals to your site
• be careful around animals with nearby young or nests – they may be aggressive when protecting their territory
• research the region to learn about the local wildlife
• take particular care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted
• keep a safe distance from any wildlife including marine animals and birds
• follow park regulations

From July to November, hurricanes can affect coastal areas. Check the US National Hurricane Center, Environment Canada and The Weather Network websites for the latest weather conditions.

Avalanches can happen in mountainous regions, including Alberta and British Columbia. Always follow avalanche advice and stay away from closed trails. Follow the directions of local guides or instructors. For more information and avalanche news, see the Canadian Avalanche Foundation website. 

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The Canadian government has information about emergency preparedness.

Summer thunderstorms are frequent in most parts of Canada, particularly between April and September. They can damage property and threaten lives.

Winter storms, including freezing rain, blizzards and hail, are frequent in many parts of Canada, particularly from November to April. They can make driving conditions dangerous, damage property and threaten lives. Follow local warnings or news for details.

Tornadoes can happen anywhere in Canada from May to September, but June to July is the peak season in:

• southern Ontario
• Alberta
• south-eastern Quebec
• southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay
• the interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick

Follow instructions from Canadian officials or law enforcement. Check the US National Hurricane Center for weather updates.

Wildfires can start at any time, whatever the season, although there is particular risk of fire in the grasslands and forests of western Canada, as well as in forested areas of Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia, during the summer months.

You should follow local warnings or news for details on the latest outbreaks. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System shows active wildfires and forecasts. You can also monitor wildfire smoke and air quality on the Government of Canada’s website.