Trip Essentials
Trip Essentials | Converters | Weather
Travel tips:
- What Documents to Bring:
- Accepted documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Valid Passport, or
- Military ID
It is also recommended you have another form of ID such as:- Photo ID,
- Social Security Number, or
- Health Card Number.
No passports or visas are needed for: U.S. citizens, British, Australian, New Zealand or Irish nationals, However, a passport will facilitate your entry into Canada.
Persons under 19 travelling alone must carry a letter of consent, signed by a parent or guardian granting permission to travel to Canada.
For more information contact:
Customs and Excise
Connaught Building
Sussex Drive, Ottawa
K1A 0L5
- What to pack:
- Nova Scotia’s summers are warm and sunny, but it can get cool in the evenings.
July and August are our hottest months, with the average temperature range of 9 to 23oC (Celsius) / 48 to 75oF.
Bring plenty of lightweight clothing, good walking shoes or hiking boots and a medium weight jacket.- Seat Belt Laws:
- In Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada, seat belts are mandatory.
Children under 40 lbs, must be restrained in a child-booster seat.
Infants must be restrained in a rear-facing infant safety seat.- Driving Essentials:
- Speed limits vary for the different types of roads and are specified in Kilometers Per Hour (KM/hr). 100 series (104, 102..) Highways are generally 100KM/hr. Main Arteries (1, 7, 3...) are generally 80KM/hr and local roads are usually 50KM/hr.
Fuel prices range throughout the province and is sold by the litre.
For metric/standard conversions, please see the converter page.- Tipping:
- Tipping is an accepted practice in Canada. Here are some guidelines:
- Bellpersons and porters: 50c to $1 per bag.
- Cabs: 10 – 15%.
- Hotel maid: $2 per day.
- Hotel doorman: $1 - $5 depending on level of service.
- Garage attendant: $1 - $2.
- Bathroom attendants: 50c - $1.
- Concierge: not usual, unless a demanding service was requested and performed. Minimum $5.
- Restaurants: 10 – 15% depending on level of service.
- Traveling With Pets:
- Pets prefer the security of a constrained container. Your vet can advise on the size of cage appropriate to your pet.
- Ensure your pet is licensed and has either collar tags or an ID tattoo
- Seek out lodgings that allow pets. Establishments have individual pet policies, so enquire in advance.
- Always ensure your pet is on leash when you take a break.
- Do not take your pet into wilderness areas, or on hikes where there is wildlife.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that pets are best left behind. They prefer familiar surroundings.
