|
Widely different income levels in Canada mean you can find accommodation, food and entertainment to suit any budget. In general the three northern territories are the costliest, followed by Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Québec and Atlantic Canada will put the least pressure on your wallet. For most visitors, the largest expense will be accommodation. Food prices are generally much lower than those in Western Europe, but are a little higher than those in the USA. If you stay in budget accommodation and eat in cafes, expect to spend around US$45 a day, not including long-distance transport. If you stay in motels and eat at restaurants occasionally, you're looking at around US$80 a day.
A 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is applicable to all transport, accommodation, restaurant meals and just about anything else you're likely to purchase, including newspapers. On top of this, in most of Canada, a provincial sales tax also must be paid. This can, in some provinces, add 15% to the quoted price, so factor it into your expenses so you don't get a nasty surprise at the cash register.
Geography:
Canada is second-largest country in world (after Russia) and approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border. Ottawa is Canada’s capital located on the tip of Ontario. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and is extremely multicultural. Here is where the world’s tallest freestanding structure, the CN Tower stands. You should visit the Niagra Falls, which is only a 2 hour drive away.
Montreal is a charming island city with a strong French flavour. Vancouver is Canada's most beautiful city. It has a hilly terrain and many great bridges that offer stunning views of the ocean, bays and Vancouver itself with it’s many attractions, Stanley Park, Wreck Beach and Vancouver Island. Vancouver offers great hiking, rafting and whale watching. You can’t visit Canada without going to Quebec City. The entire old section of town is North America's only walled city, and has been named a UN World Heritage site.
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, it sits beside one of the world's largest natural harbours, on the south Atlantic shore. Winnipeg is located in Manitoba and is named Canada's Wild West. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and home of the world's largest shopping and entertainment mall. Charlottetown is the capital of Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island. It is an old, quiet country town. St John's is Newfoundland & Labrador's island capital and North America's oldest city. The hilly town is magnificently located on a series of terraces rising up from the waterfront.
Culture:
The base of Canada's cultural identity is the traditions of its native people. However, English and French are the country's two official languages. The French spoken in Canada is not, however, the language of France. In Quebec, where the majority of the population are of French descent, the local tongue is known as Quebecois. Most Quebeckers, however, will understand formal French. The differences between Quebec and English Canada don't just apply to language. The French influence of Quebec can be seen in architecture, music, food and religion.
Climate:
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.
Recommended 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: 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.
Public Holidays: Some public holidays are only celebrated regionally. They are: 3rd Monday in February - Family Day (Alberta); Monday nearest March 17 - St Patrick's Day (Newfoundland); Monday nearest April 23 - St George's Day (Newfoundland); Monday before May 24 - Victoria Day (except in the Atlantic Provinces); June 24 - Fête Nationale (Québec); Monday nearest June 24 - Discovery Day (Newfoundland); Monday nearest July 13 - Orangeman's Day (Newfoundland), and 3rd Monday in August - Discovery Day (Yukon).
Public Holidays
Mar/Apr
- Good Friday
Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
1st Mon in Sep - Labour Day
11 Nov - Remembrance Day
2nd Mon in Oct - Thanksgiving
1st Mon in Aug - Civic Holiday
25 Dec - Christmas Day
1 Jan - New Year's Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day
1 Jul
- Canada Day |
