Getting Ready for Your Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to Canada

Getting ready for physical activity:
Pilgrimages are oriented toward the spiritual and, by nature, engage the physical.  Increase the amount of time you spend walking and moving around on foot, if you’re mostly sedentary.  Take walks, get out in the sun and fresh air to accustom yourself to potentially longer days and time on your feet during your pilgrimage.   During your tour, have bottled water and snacks along to ensure you have energy when you need it.

Most streets and sidewalks in Canada’s cities are level and paved… similar to New England states in the USA.  Having comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.

Climate:
Summer in Quebec City can be quite warm, and humid, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius (77 ° Fahrenheit).  Due to the high humidity, the heat index can increase perceived heat.  May through September are prime season for travel in Canada, but July is the rainiest month of the year.

Quebec is the snowiest region in Canada.  Naturally, winter is not ideal for pilgrimage travel.

Visit this site for detailed weather and climate information:
https://www.weather-ca.com/en/canada/quebec-city-climate

Money exchange:
US to Canadian dollars is likely to be the easiest currency exchange for people in the USA to make.  Banks in either country will give the most favorable as well as the most current rate.

Hotels will sometimes convert currency, but are likely to take a significant profit for the service.

While some restaurants and shops will accept US dollars, be careful for inflated rates and service charges.  It’s better to use a credit card than to pay in US dollars in most cases.

Using a debit card at ATM’s is an easy way to get Canadian cash on the spot.  Look for ATM’s at banks to avoid high service charges at independent ATM’s.

You can pay for many purchases with a credit card.   It’s worthwhile to check with your credit card company to learn what their exchange rate is on purchases converted to Canadian dollars prior to your tour.  Let them know when you’ll be traveling so your card isn’t flagged for potential fraudulent use when charges from outside the USA start appearing.

If in doubt about where to go for currency exchange, check with your pilgrimage tour director.

Electricity:
Canada runs on 110/120 V current, which is the same as the USA.  The plugs and outlets are the same as are used in the USA as well.  Most hotels in Canada have blow dryers in each room.

Telephones:
Approximately two weeks prior to your departure to Canada, we’ll send you a list of your hotels including their addresses and phone numbers where you may be reached.

Canada is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), so it’s not necessary to dial 011, the U.S. exit code, required for other international calls.

Calling between Canada and the USA is like calling long distance in the USA. Dial 1, then the area code and the phone number.

Cell phones:
Even though you’re just over the border from the USA, you are likely to incur big charges if you don’t let your carrier know you are heading out of the country.   Set up a text and call package for while you’re in Canada . If you don’t set up a plan including internet access, turn off cellular data in “settings”.  The difference between turning off cellular data and turning on airplane mode is that airplane mode doesn’t allow calls or texts to come through while turning off cellular data does. When you’re hooked up to Wi-Fi is the only time you should access the internet or email.  Be informed of what you can and can’t do with your phone so you don’t incur expensive roaming charges.

USA embassy / consular services in Canada:
United States Consulate General, Quebec
2, rue de la Terrasse-Dufferin
Québec, Québec  G1R 4T9

(418) 692-2095 Telephone
(418) 692-4640 Fax

United States Consulate General, Toronto
360 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4
Phone: (416) 595-1700

Emergency:
The national emergency number (toll free from any phone) is 911, just like in the USA.

Have additional questions?
Please look at our Travel Info page.  Almost anything you want t know about traveling on a Pilgrimage Tour is covered there.