Tourist Information Centres in Canada

Tourist Information Centres in Canada

Tourist Information Centres in Canada
Ontario Travel Info Centres

Tourist Information Centres in Canada

With a Focus on Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec

Below is a comprehensive guide to Visitor / Tourist Information Centres in Canada, with special focus on three major provinces—Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. These centres are extremely valuable for newcomers, tourists, and immigrants who want to better understand cities and provinces across Canada.

Province of Ontario

Overview

In Ontario, the Ministry of Tourism and the province’s official tourism website, Destination Ontario, provide a list of Travel Information Centres, including their locations, services, and access details.

Examples:

  • Ontario Travel Information Centre – Toronto, located at Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario

  • Destination Ontario – Provides guidance on attractions, accommodations, and travel routes

Key Tips for Newcomers

  • If your destination is Toronto or the surrounding areas, this centre can be an excellent starting point for obtaining local information upon arrival.

  • Multilingual services, usually in English and French, are commonly available.

  • Similar centres are also located along major highways and travel routes across the province (e.g., in Northern Ontario), which are useful for road trips and intercity travel.

Province of British Columbia

Overview

British Columbia also has an extensive network of Visitor Information Centres, coordinated through Destination BC.

Examples:

  • Parksville & District Visitor Centre, located at 1275 East Island Hwy, Parksville, British Columbia (Vancouver Island)

  • Victoria Visitor Centre, located at 812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC

Key Tips for Newcomers

  • If you plan to visit coastal cities or island regions in British Columbia (such as Vancouver or Vancouver Island), these centres are excellent sources of maps, brochures, and activity guides.

  • Many centres offer free services, including Wi-Fi, local maps, and personalized travel advice.

  • For newcomers settling in British Columbia, visiting a local centre can be a fast and effective way to become familiar with the area and available services.

Province of Quebec

Overview

Quebec also operates tourist information centres that provide multilingual services (English and French).

Example:

  • Centre Infotouriste de Québec (Bonjour Québec)

Services:

  • Information on provincial tourist destinations

  • Brochures and printed guides

  • Internet access and travel consultation

Key Tips for Newcomers

  • French is the dominant language in Quebec; however, many tourist information centres offer bilingual (EN/FR) services.

  • If you plan to visit or settle in Quebec, these centres can help you better understand local culture, transportation, routes, and recreational activities.

  • These centres play a vital role in travel planning, city navigation, and regional exploration within the province.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

For newcomers living in Canada or planning to travel within the country:

  • Make it a priority to visit a local Visitor / Tourist Information Centre as soon as possible to obtain maps, brochures, local advice, and regional resources.

  • These centres are typically free of charge, and their staff are knowledgeable about local services and attractions.

  • If your destination is Ontario, British Columbia, or Quebec, visiting the centres mentioned above can help you quickly become familiar with the local community, city layout, and living or travel conditions—making settlement, integration, or tourism much easier.