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|hitch = <rating country='ca' />
|BW = CA
|neighbour = ([[Greenland]]), [[Saint-Pierre and Miquelon|Saint Pierre and Miquelon]] (''incorporated''), [[United States of America]]
}}
'''For specific information about provinces and territories, see the bottom of the page.'''
Canada is a vast country (the second biggest in the world) and many visitors do not realize its size or extremes in temperature prior to arrival. Certain northern rural regions are inhabited by few or even no permanent population, so it might not always be bright to adventure by yourself into some wild or less inhabited part of the country without the proper equipment or having registered yourself to some local authorities prior to such a journey. As a simple reminder, the density of population is about 3.2 habitants/km², and about 75 % of that population lives in the south, nestled by the US border. It is normal in some parts of the country to drive a hundred kilometres without any living soul.
Even if the country bears some similitude with its southern (and only) neighbour, the [[United States of America|United States]], the cultural and life outlook of the population is markedly unique.
For a journey across the country, the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] is the main road crossing the country east to west. However, the highway system numbering system is specific to every province.
== Border Crossing ==
Canada has only one neighbour, the [[United States of America|United States]], and even if this border is known as the longest unprotected border in the world, entering the country as a backpacker, hiker or hitchhiker might be a hard, especially since 2001. The border control is quite tight, especially since the unproven allegation that some terrorists came from Canada. Questions might be asked about the relations between passengers in a car.
Because of these strong security measures, a hitchhiker probably will have to cross the border by foot and start again once the control is done. You might also discuss with your driver beforehand in the matter to get to know each other and to ensure that everything will be alright with the crossing and that s/he is fine with the hassle (or fine waiting for you if you are being interrogated). The vast majority of the drivers will be frisky at helping a stranger to cross from Canada to the States in their car. The best way to be at a border control is too remain calm, be confident, do not lie and simply answer the questions as asked without being witty or vague. Just remember that you do not have to tell that you are bumming around and bring some suspicious travelling plan (yes, hiking and hitching around in a ''blown by the wind way'' is a suspicious thing! Especially for the the average citizen!). So just be reliable, show enthusiasm and that your adventure is part of a life plan holiday... not a way to escape reality.
