When is the best time to visit?
For most of the country, early September. The biting insects are finished, the crowds have gone back to school, the light is better for photography and the colour is beginning. July and August are warmest but busiest and require booking months ahead. Winter is spectacular but a genuinely different undertaking.
Do I need a park pass?
For national parks, yes — entry requires a valid pass and it is checked. Provincial parks are administered separately by each province with their own fees and reservation systems, so an Ontario Parks permit does not cover you in Alberta. Entry and camping are charged separately almost everywhere.
How dangerous are bears really?
Encounters are common in some regions; serious incidents are rare, and most involve food that was stored badly or a surprised animal. Store food properly, make noise where visibility is poor, and learn the appropriate response for the species in the region you are entering — black bear and grizzly guidance differs. Statistically you are at considerably more risk driving to the trailhead.
Can I do this without a car?
In places. Whitehorse, Banff, Jasper and Whistler are reachable by scheduled flight, train or coach, and Banff has a functioning local transit network. Much of Canada, though, is built around driving — Algonquin's access points, most of Newfoundland, and nearly all of the north are impractical without a vehicle. Check before assuming.
How much does it cost?
Backcountry camping is inexpensive; getting to the trailhead usually is not. Domestic flights within Canada are expensive relative to distance, and vehicle rental in peak season in mountain towns is more so. Budget the transport honestly and the trip itself will surprise you by being cheap.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Canada's public healthcare covers residents, not visitors, and medical costs for non-residents are substantial. For remote travel, check specifically whether your policy covers search and rescue and evacuation, which many standard policies exclude.
What about entry requirements?
Requirements depend on your nationality — many visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an Electronic Travel Authorization, others need a visitor visa, and the rules change. Check the current official Government of Canada guidance rather than any blog, including this one, and check it close to travel.
Is the water safe to drink?
Municipal tap water across Canada is safe and good. Backcountry water is not, however clear it looks. Treat everything.