Travel Vaccines and Advice for Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world. The country is incredibly diverse in its people, history, and geography. Travelers can go surfing in Tofino, dogsled in the Northwest, learn the old history of Quebec, or meet people from all over the world in Toronto.
Canada can accommodate any type of traveler, from the adventurous to the history buff.
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Canada. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Canada: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Canada |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Some parts of Canada, especially western Canada, have had measles and mumps outbreaks in recent months. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Canada?
American travelers visiting Canada must have either a valid passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. Children under the age of 16 only need to present proof of U.S. citizenship. For tourists visiting Canada for less than 180 days, a visa is not needed. Other forms of travel (work, study, etc.) generally do need a visa.
Canada Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Canada? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Canada and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
Canada’s climate is almost as diverse as its attractions. Make sure you bring what you need for your trip.
- Toronto – This city’s climate is moderated by Lake Ontario. It is warm and humid in the summers and cold in the winter. There is snow on the ground most days during the months between December and March.
- Edmonton – In Edmonton it is sunny, even in the winter. The climate is dry, with rain in the summer. The summer is cool and winters and very cold. Snow with a depth greater than 1 cm occurs about 141 days each year.
- Ottawa – Ottawa has warm and humid summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, the temperature reaches the high-70’s. But, winter can be cold and well below freezing.
How Safe Is Canada?
Canada has a lower crime rate than the United States. But, violent crimes and crimes of convenience do occur, particularly in urban areas. Travelers should take precautions when visiting large cities or when traveling at night. Take measures to safeguard belongings, especially in public areas.
Visiting the Canadian Rockies
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
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Get protected with Passport Health’s
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The Canadian Rockies have gorgeous wildlife and scenery and tons of outdoor activities. Travelers can do all kinds of activities including: whitewater rafting, back country skiing, or rock climbing. Almost every traveler will find something to suit his or her needs.
What Should I Take to Canada?
Make sure you bring these key items with you on your trip to Canada:
- Warm Clothing – Winters get incredibly cold in Canada, so a good, thick jacket is a necessity. Your extremities tend to get colder faster, so bring a pair of thick gloves if you plan on playing in the snow.
- Hiking Shoes – There is a lot of hiking that can be done throughout the country. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, good shoes will be imperative.
- Umbrella – If you’re visiting when it is expected to rain, an umbrella or raincoat will keep you dry.
U.S. Embassy to Canada
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Ottawa
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1G8
Telephone (General): 613-688-5335
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Canada
“I used passport for travel immunizations in advance of my Canada Trip. The nurse was excellent – very thorough, knowledgeable and detailed. I would definitely recommend her to colleagues/others.”
“Nurse walked me through the health issues in Canada and reviewed the precautions to take. Very informative and helpful. Thanks”
“Our appointment was superb! The nurse took extra time to answer any questions we had! She was GREAT to work with. Appreciated all advice and expertise that will help my daughter on her trip to Canada. Thanks so much!”
“I visited the clinic this afternoon because I am traveling to Canada next month. The doctor was very attentive and had an information book ready for me. All of my questions I had and all of the questions I hadn’t thought of were answered. I will definitely recommend the clinic to my friends and family who are traveling abroad.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Canada?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Canada?
What Is the Climate Like in Canada?
How Safe Is Canada?
Visiting the Canadian Rockies
What Should I Take to Canada?
U.S. Embassy to Canada
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UK – English
MX – Español
Rest of World – English
