Currency and Exchange Rate
Entering Canada
Time Zones
Marriage
Getting Here
Getting Around
Weather
Publications
Articles
The currency system in Canada uses dollars and cents similar to the U.S. system. Canada now has one- and two-dollar coins, known as the "loonie" and the "toonie", in addition to 1 cent, 5 cent, and 25 cent coins. The paper money comes in different colours and designs. The most common are $5 bills (blue), $10 bills (purple), $20 bills (green), $50 bills (red), $100 bills (brown), and $1000 bills (purple). You may still see some old red $2 bills, which remain valid currency. To get cash, the easiest way is to use any of your bank cards for the Interac system with just about every automatic banking machine in Canada, conveniently located at banks and other locations throughout most cities and at airports.
Canada's federal tax, known as the GST, or "goods and services tax", is 5% and applies to most foods and services provided in Canada. As of April 1, 1997 the HST or "harmonized sales tax" is a 13% tax that replaces the provincial sales tax (PST) and GST in the provinces of Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Most provinces have a PST, with the notable exception of Alberta.
And what do you do when you've spent the last of your loonies and your toonies? Major cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Canada. Keep in mind your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement.
And in case you were wondering, yes, tipping is practiced, and expected, in Canada. Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada. If you are satisfied with the service received (or if they're just so darn cute), a tip of 15 percent is customary. Following the introduction of the federal goods and services tax (GST), many Canadians have begun to tip on the pretax amount.
Relevant Links: Currency Exchange at xe.com.
U.S. Residents
Hands down, a passport is the ideal identification for anybody entering Canada.
Americans returning home via air, land or sea from any foreign destination need to show a passport or other appropriate secure document like a NEXUS card.Travellers from other Countries
International visitors to Canada (not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents)
must carry a valid passport and, if required, a visa. Citizens from the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and
others do not require a visa to enter Canada. Visit the Citizenship
and Immigration Canada website for a complete listing of countries whose
citizens require visas to enter Canada.
All other visitors should contact their Canadian consulate or embassy to learn
what documents are required. Contact information for Canadian embassies around
the world can be found at the Foreign
Affairs Canada website.
Bringing Children
Travellers visiting Canada with children should carry the following:
- identification for each child similar to those described for adults
- a letter of permission from the parents of any children accompanying them for whom they do not have legal custody.
If you have questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, travel requirements, or any concerns you may have about travelling to Canada, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate. You can find a list of Canadian Embassies and Consulates at the Foreign Affairs Canada website.
Travellers who wish to find out about Canadian customs regulations should visit the Canada Border Services Agency.The Canadian Sir Sandford Fleming first proposed time zones for the entire world in 1876, and Canada is covered coast to coast with multiple zones.
- GMT-8 Pacific Time (Yukon, British Columbia)
- GMT-7 Mountain Time (Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
- GMT-6 Central Time (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
- GMT-5 Eastern Time (Ontario, Quebec)
- GMT-4 Atlantic Time (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island)
- GMT-3.5 Newfoundland Time (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Yup, same-sex marriage is legal in Canada. But before you pack up and head to Niagara Falls for those nuptials, you should check with the respective regional authorities just to make sure you're not forgetting anything, as the laws do differ by province and territory.
British Columbia: BC Vital StatsAlberta: Government of Alberta
Saskatchewan: Government of Saskatchewan
Manitoba: Province of Manitoba
Ontario: Government of Ontario or contact the local municipality in which you are getting married
Quebec: in Quebec, there's a 20 day period before any marriage can be solemnized, so make sure you check out these two sites: Government of Quebec and Justice Quebec
New Brunswick: Service New Brunswick
Nova Scotia: Access Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island: PEI Department of Health
Newfoundland: Government of Newfoundland & Labrador
Yukon: Government of Yukon Health and Social Services
Northwest Territories: NWT Health and Social Services
Nunavut: Government of Nunavut
Plane, train or automobile. Whatever your preference, Canada is extremely accessible. Direct flights connect major cities of the world to the larger Canadian airports, with frequent connecting flights getting you anywhere you want to go within Canada. Canada's international carrier is Air Canada. Domestic carriers include Air Canada, WestJet and Porter. Amtrak services Canada through Niagara Falls, Montreal and Vancouver, and then connects with VIA Rail Canada, Canada's national passenger railway.
For travel distances, check out this table from the eTourist.ca.By Plane
Getting around Canada is as easy as hearing 'eh before you even get out of the airport. Cities and towns across Canada are linked by Air Canada and its affiliates, as well as by other carriers such as Westjet. Low fares are available, you just have to fly no frills, darling.
Main Airports:
Toronto Lester B. Pearson (YYZ): 18 miles from city
Ottawa Intl (YOW): 11 miles from city
Montréal Trudeau (YUL): 14 miles from city
Halifax (YHZ): 26 miles from city
Calgary (YYC): 11 miles from city
Edmonton (YEG): 19 miles from city
Vancouver (YVR): 9 miles from city
St. John's (YYT): 5 miles from city
Winnipeg (YWG): 4 miles from city
All Airports offer bus and taxi transport to city centre.
By Train
If you want to travel and see Canada the way it was meant to been see, then hop a train. The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, is one of the most memorable ways to see the country. It runs between Toronto and Vancouver in three days. Other VIA Rail services link communities across the country. You can also opt for a two-day, all-daylight trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling between Vancouver and Jasper, Banff or Calgary.
By Bus
Perhaps not so glamorous, but economical and comfortable, you can travel across Canada by bus thanks to a network of intercity bus routes that spans the entire country.
By Car
Want a bit more freedom to veer off the beaten path? Whether you rent or drive your own vehicle, Canada's vast network of well-maintained roads and highways will take you anywhere you want to go. A car trip is an ideal way to experience the country's landscape, people and culture on your own terms and at your own speed.
If you're visiting from the US, your American driver's license is valid in Canada. If you are visiting from outside the United States, you must apply for an International Driving Permit from the Automobile Association in your country of origin. This will allow you to drive in Canada and rent a car here.
The minimum rental age for a car is generally 25, 0r 21 with a major credit card. Always check with the rental company prior to travel.
Traffic rules to be Aware of:
- Seat belts are compulsory.
- In the province of Quebec, road signs are written solely in French.
- Canadians drive on the right of the road.
- Some major streets in several of Canada's larger cities contain lanes known as "Diamond Lanes". Their uses vary from place to place, however, they are generally reserved for local buses and sometimes taxis and/or bicycles. These lanes will nearly always be the right lane, and other vehicles are not allowed to travel in them. However, they may use them to turn at the next intersection. There will usually be a sign indicating which vehicles are allowed to the Diamond lanes and when, but if there is no sign it is generally best to stay out of the lane as fines for misuse can be hefty.
- Canadians use the metric system for measurements (hence speed is quoted in kilometres per hour, and distances in kilometres).
- In many areas of Canada (with the exception of Montreal) it is legal to turn right (after stopping) on a red light, so be careful when crossing the street on foot.
- Many secondary (less busy) intersections that are four (or three) way stops have no traffic lights, but have stop signs instead. You must bring your car to a complete stop and let everyone that stopped before you go first. If two cars arrive at the intersection at the same time, the car to the right has precedence.
- In Canada, you must always yield to a police car, fire truck, or ambulance when their emergency lights are flashing - if they are approaching from behind, you must pull to the right and stop. In many jurisdictions, motorists are also required to slow down and move into a non-adjacent lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle.
- It is illegal to park in front of a fire hydrant.
- Beware: In British Columbia, a (slow) flashing green light means the traffic light is green (you can go) but it is controlled by the pedestrian. The light will remain flashing green until a pedestrian pushes the button to cross the street. When you see a flashing green light, traffic coming towards you will also see a flashing green light. In Ontario, Québec and Nova Scotia, a (fast) flashing green light indicates advanced turn, signaling the driver can make a left hand turn across oncoming traffic because oncoming traffic has a red light.
- At crosswalks and corners, the pedestrian has the right of way.
- Some provinces have drink-drive limits of 0.05%. The national Criminal Code limit is 0.08% - a foreign national exceeding this can expect to be deported.
- During winter, a flashing blue light usually identifies a snow removal vehicle (e.g. snowplough) and drivers should stay far back when following. Snow removal vehicals in the four western provinces use amber, orange, or red lights. While it is legal to pass one of these vehicles, it may be safer to stay behind and travel on the cleared road.
- In certain provinces of the country, the fines for using a mobile handset while driving can be very steep. Using them while stopped is prohibited as well.
For people with disabilities, many accommodations, most attractions and transportation systems within Canada are accessible.
Still have questions? Visit the Canadian Tourism Commission for more information on traveling to Canada.What to pack, the ultimate question. Canada has four very distinct seasons, so it's good to know ahead of time what to expect so you can make sure you pack that speedo and leave the gloves and scarf at home.
Because of Canada's vast size climatic conditions vary widely, and only very general information can be given. Canada consists of a predominantly temperate climate with four distinct seasons. In summer, hotels, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and stores are air-conditioned. In winter, all private and public buildings, railway stations and bus terminals are heated, and all main highways are cleared of snow. Although days in summer are warm, evenings may be cool, and visitors planning fishing, camping or canoeing trips should bring medium-and heavier-weight apparel in addition to summer clothing.
For today's weather, check out Environment Canada.Want more information on what to see and do in Canada? Travel Gay Canada can supply you with several publications to help you out:
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If you would like to receive a copy of any of these publications, please call 1-866-300-7556.
