Clickontours

Overview

‘Spectacular Country’

Canada has got abundance of natural beauty to explore, right from glaciers and mountains to forests to secluded lakes. Few countries in the world offer as many choices to the world traveller as Canada. Whether your passion is skiing, sailing, museum-combing or indulging in exceptional cuisine, Canada has it all.

Western Canada is renowned for its stunningly beautiful countryside. Stroll through Vancouver’s Stanley Park, overlooking the blue waters of English Bay or ski the slopes of world-famous Whistler-Blackcomb, surrounded by thousands of hectares of pristine forestland. For a cultural experience, you can take an Aboriginal nature hike to learn about Canada’s First Nations’ history and cuisine, while outdoorsmen can river-raft, hike or heli-ski the thousands of kilometres of Canada’s backcountry, where the memories of gold prospectors and pioneers still flourish today.

By contrast, Eastern Canada mixes the flavour and charm of Europe with the bustle of trendy New York. Toronto boasts an irresistible array of ethnic restaurants, bakeries and shops to tempt the palate, while Charlottetown, Canada’s birthplace, is located amidst the rolling fields and sandy Atlantic beaches of Prince Edward Island. Between the two, ancient Québec City is a world unto itself: the oldest standing citadel in North America and the heart of Québécois hospitality.

Of course, don’t forget Northern Canada, where planes or all-terrain vehicles are sometimes the most common forms of transport and wildlife viewing is at its best.

Whatever your passion, Canada has a place for it.

General Information

Area

9,984,670 sq km (3,855,101 sq miles).

Population

32 million (2005, UN).

Population Density

3.2 per sq km.

Capital

Ottawa. Population: 1.14 million (2004, including Gatineau).

Geography

Canada is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast by Greenland, and to the south by the ‘Lower 48’ of the USA. The polar ice cap lies to the north. The landscape is diverse, ranging from the Arctic tundra of the north to the great prairies of the central area. Westward are the Rocky Mountains, and in the southeast are the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River and Niagara Falls. The country is divided into 10 provinces and three territories. A more detailed description of each province can be found under the separate provincial entries.

Government

Constitutional Monarchy. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General Michaëlle Jean since 2005. Head of Government: Prime Minister Stephen Harper since 2006. Recent history: Long-serving Jean Chrétien stepped down as Prime Minister in late 2003, replaced by Paul Martin. It seemed as if restoring relations with the USA was a primary concern of Martin's since the USA had barely concealed their frustrations with their neighbour for the refusal to support the 2003 war against Iraq. However, soon after being sworn in, Martin's Liberal Government became embroiled in a scandal concerning the misappropriation of millions of dollars of public money, with the Liberal Party supposedly receiving kickbacks from advertising contracts awarded in Québec in the late 1990s. Martin barely survived a confidence motion in Parliament in May 2005: just one vote saved him. However, in November 2005, his Government lost a confidence vote, Parliament was dissolved and an election was called for January 2006. After 12 years of Liberal rule, Canada swung to the right in the 2006 general election with conservative Stephen Harper succeeding Paul Martin as Prime Minister. Conservative leader Stephen Harper has pledged to cut taxes and tackle violent crime and corruption.

Executive power is vested in the British Monarch, the Head of State, who is responsible for appointing the Governor General, currently Michaëlle Jean. The Prime Minister, elected Cabinet Ministers, a 104-member Senate and a House of Commons make up the Federal Parliament. Members of the House of Commons are directly elected, while members of the Senate are appointed by the Prime Minister. The ten provinces of Canada each has a Lieutenant Governor and a local legislature, in power for up to 5 years. There are also three territories (Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut) constituted by Acts of Parliament. Several recent attempts to amend the Constitution have been rejected by popular referendum.

Language

Bilingual: English and French. The use of the two languages reflects the mixed colonial history – Canada has been under both British and French rule.

Religion

75 per cent of the population belong to the Christian faith: Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Church of Canada. There are numerous other active denominations and religions.

Electricity

110-120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.

SOCIAL CONVENTIONS

Handshaking predominates as the normal mode of greeting. Close friends often exchange kisses on the cheeks, particularly in French areas. Codes of practice for visiting homes are the same as in other Western countries: flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine are common gifts for hosts and dress is generally informal and practical according to climate. It is common for black tie and other required dress to be indicated on invitations. Exclusive clubs and restaurants often require more formal dress. Smoking has been banned in most public areas. Most restaurants, theatres and cinemas, if they permit smoking, have large ‘no smoking’ areas.

Introduction

Canada offers a huge range of attractions, from large cosmopolitan cities such as Montréal and Toronto in the south, to isolated Inuit (Eskimo) settlements dotted around the frozen shores of Hudson Bay. The contrasting Pacific and Atlantic seaboards and the thousands of lakes and rivers of the interior provide superb watersports and fishing. The Rocky Mountains and other ranges offer breathtaking scenery on a grand scale. Some of the best resorts are in the series of great National Parks which preserve the wildlife and forests of Canada in their virgin state. Those in the north provide basic amenities for tours of the beautiful northern wilderness. A taste of the pioneering west can be had in the rich farming and grain regions of central Canada. Further north are the New Frontier of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. For a more detailed description of the historic sites and natural attractions of each region, see Resorts & Excursions in the individual Provinces/Territories sections.

Restricted entry and transit

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports, identity or travel documents issued by Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda or the All Palestinian Government; (b) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled "British Temporary Resident's Passport"; (c) holders of passports purported issued by the Government of Somalia.

Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Passport/Visa's

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the Government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon;

(f) nationals who are residents of and entering from Greenland.

Note

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas

Required by all (visitor or transit) except the following for stays of up to six months:

(a) nationals of countries indicated in the chart above, including 4. citizens of British dependent territories (except holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’, who do require a visa);

(b) 5. nationals of EU countries (except Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa);

(c) nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, French Overseas Possessions and Territories, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel (National passport holders only), Jersey, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Switzerland and the Vatican City.

(d) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Types of visa and cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: gratis. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the Embassy or High Commission for details. Employment: C$150 (individual); C$450 (group of three or more). Student: C$125. Fees to be paid in the form of a Canadian Dollar bank draft made payable to 'Receiver General for Canada.' Bank drafts must be no older than two months with name and address of applicant printed on the back. For further information, contact the High Commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Note

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.

Application requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Proof of immigration status in country of residence. (c) Application form. (d) Two recent passport-size photos. (e) Proof of sufficient funds for length of stay (this may entail providing a letter from one’s employer, mortgage statements or bank statements or letter of invitation from a Canadian resident). (f) Evidence of employment (in some cases). (g) Details of travel plans. (h) Visa processing fee payable in bankers draft only. (i) For those applying by post, an 8" x 6", registered, self-addressed envelope with 50p (C$1) stamp. Transit: (a)-(i) and, (j) Onward/return tickets.

Note

(a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Temporary residence

A work permit is required for temporary residence in Canada. Persons who wish to proceed to Canada for the purposes of study or temporary employment should contact the nearest Canadian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate, as authorisation is normally required prior to arrival. Those taking up temporary employment will require an Employment Authorization, for which a fee is charged. Persons going for study purposes must obtain a Student Authorization; a charge is made for this service.

Working days required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure; eight weeks if applying by post. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person.

Passport/Visa Information

Canadian High Commission in the UK

Immigration division: 38 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 4AA, UK

Tel: (020) 7258 6600 or (020) 7258 6699 (recorded visa information).

Website: www.canada.org.uk or www.cic.gc.ca

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1100 excluding public holidays (personal callers only).

Consular section: Canada House, 5 Pall Mall East, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ, UK

Tel: (020) 7258 6600.

Website: www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/united_kingdom

Canadian Embassy in the USA

501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Tel: (202) 682 1740.

Website: www.canadianembassy.org

Canadian Consulate General in the USA

1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020-1175, USA

Tel: (212) 596 1628.

Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york

Money

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD; symbol C$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of C$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of C$2 and 1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Credit & debit cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Traveller's cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Canadian Dollars; these are widely negotiable.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency. The export of silver coins over C$5 is prohibited. Amounts equal to or greater than C$10,000 must be declared on entry and exit.

Entertainment

Food & Drink

Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Québec is easily discernible in the many restaurants which specialise in French cuisine. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. A selection of European/US wines and spirits are imported.

Things to know: Spirits may only be purchased from specially-licensed liquor stores or restaurants displaying the sign ‘Licensed Premises.’ Many allow customers to bring their own beer or wine. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Bars may have table or counter service and payment is generally made after each drink. Opening hours vary from province to province.

National specialities:

• The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood.

• The central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce.

• Some more unusual produce might include elk, bison and caribou.

National drinks:

• Canadians enjoy their own rye whisky.

Legal drinking age: The minimum drinking age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province/territory. See Entertainment in the individual Provinces/ Territories sections. Nunavut is an exception because alcohol is prohibited in some communities.

Tipping: Normal practice is usually 15 per cent of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Waiters, barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers should be tipped this amount. Porters at airports and railway stations, cloakroom attendants, bellhops, doormen and hotel porters generally expect C$1 per item of luggage. Tipping your server is standard practice in bars and nightclubs.

Nightlife

Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centres for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.

Shopping

Fine examples of Canadian craftware are available, such as art woodcarvings, pottery, cottons and native artefacts. Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as polar bear, seal, walrus etc, so visitors should check entry regulations in their home country before departure. A 7 per cent goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most provinces (except Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 7 per cent in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation. In the provinces of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a 15 per cent harmonised sales tax (HST) has replaced the GST and PST. Visitors to Canada are entitled to claim a rebate of GST and HST (except on food, drink, tobacco and transport). The province of Quebec also allows visitors to apply for a rebate of its provincial sales tax (TVQ). For further information, see the special note under the Duty-Free section or contact Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca). Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thur-Fri, up to 2100. Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Climate

Climate graphs for the various provinces and territories may be found in the relevant entries below.

Note
Summer thunderstorms are common throughout Canada. Occasionally, these may become 'severe'. Tornados also occur throughout Canada, with May to September being prime months. The peak season is June and early July in southern Ontario, Alberta, southeastern Québec, and a band stretching from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, through to Thunder Bay. The interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick are also tornado zones. Earth tremors occur in the western mountains. Forest fires can occur at any time, regardless of the season, particularly in the grasslands and forests of western Canada.

Required clothing
March: Moderate temperatures. Winter clothing with some mediumweight clothing.
April: Milder days but the evenings are cool. Mediumweight clothing including a topcoat is recommended.
May: Warm days but cool at night. Mediumweight and summer clothing recommended.
June: Warm, summer clothing with some mediumweight clothing for cool evenings. The weather in June is ideal for travel and all outdoor activities.
July/August: These are the warmest months of the year. Lightweight summer clothing is recommended.
September: Warm days and cool evenings. Light- to mediumweight clothing recommended.
October: Cool, with the first frost in the air.
November: Cool to frosty. Medium- to heavyweight clothing is recommended. First signs of snow. Motorists should have cars prepared for winter and snow tyres are recommended.
December/January/February: Winter temperatures. Winter clothing is necessary (eg overcoat, hat, boots and gloves). Heavy snowfall in most provinces.