Boasting panoramic ocean views, soaring mountain peaks and impressive wildlife, Canada is a true natural beauty. Journey along rugged coastlines to witness the fiery orange and red coloured foliage, touched by the hands of autumn, and, if you're lucky, you may spot a resident grizzly bear or impressive bald eagle. Wander along the streets of Boston, America's most historic city, to experience the delightful mix of modern skyscrapers and beautiful Georgian buildings. Take a tour around the wealthy Newport, famous for its yachting and vast mansions, or, visit Quebec to join in with a faster paced lifestyle where you will find an array of interesting art galleries and museums, beautiful European influenced architecture and charming restaurants. With its mix of French and British influences Canada is a must for those seeking a cultural journey through a beautiful landscape.
Featured Port:
Vancouver
Vancouver is a wonderfully scenic region that has splendid dining, excellent shopping and exquisite nightlife. There are a number of high quality shops, and friendly nightclubs and bars are plentiful. One of the most enjoyable spots...
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Currency
Canadian Dollar = 100 cents
Major credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted, although many stores impose a minimum purchase of $5–$20, and service charges may also apply. ATMs are widely available in populated areas but are less common in remote areas. Use an ATM affiliated with a major bank to reduce service charges.
Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in banks, hotels and tourist facilities; to avoid additional exchange rate charges take traveller's cheques in Canadian Dollars. In larger cities, currency exchange offices may offer better rates than banks.
Time Difference
Canada spans six time zones:
Pacific Standard Time: GMT -8 (GMT -7 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Mountain Standard Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Central Standard Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). Most of Saskatchewan does not observe DST.
Eastern Standard Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Atlantic Standard Time: GMT -4 (GMT -3 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Newfoundland Standard Time: GMT -3.5 (GMT -2.5 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars. It is customary to tip approximately 15% on the total bill before tax. . An easy way to calculate the tip at a restaurant is to multiply the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) amount shown on the bill by three.
Cab drivers also expect a tip, usually 10% to 15%
Visas Health Safety
A large part of Canada lies within the Arctic Circle, and only a narrow strip close to the southern border with the United States has a temperate climate. Much of this area has a severe winter with prolonged frost and snow.
The coast of British Colombia has a very different climate to the rest of the country, comparable to that of the British Isles and other parts of northwest Europe with mild winters, warm summers, and rain falling throughout the year but with a maximum fall in winter.
Winter temperatures on the Atlantic shores of Canada are warmer than those in the interior, but the summer temperatures are lower due to the cold Labrador current, which flows southwards close to the coast.
Much of the interior of Canada has a very continental climate with surprisingly high summer temperatures, despite summers being short, and a long, very cold winter.
Even the barren northlands of Canada have quite warm summers and in this there is a close parallel with much of Siberia.
Summer thunderstorms are common throughout Canada. Occasionally, these may become severe. Tornadoes 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 tremours occur in the western mountains.
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