Useful Tips for non-Canadians

In this section, we present useful tips for non-Canadians planning a first trip to Canada. The topics covered include as follows:

• Currency, exchange, banking
• Distances
• Weather and climate
• Time zones
• Business hours
• Languages spoken
• Weights and measures
• Electric current
• Tipping
• Spirits and wine
• Cigarettes
• Pets
• Lodging and accommodation
• Tourist information and attractions
• Planning your trip

The value of the Canadian dollar fluctuates with changes in international money market rates, and may range in value from US$0.60 to US$0.80. For information on the current value of the Canadian dollar compared with your home country currency, check out our currency converter.

In Canada, you may convert your home country currency into Canadian dollars at most banks and foreign exchange outlets. You may also use your bank debit card to make withdrawals at the majority of automatic teller machines (ATMs) located in banks and public places across Canada. Travellers' cheques are also accepted in most department stores and hotels. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are honoured almost everywhere.

Our page on Canadian sales taxes outlines the sales taxes that are added to the retail cost of most goods and services… and how you can apply for a visitor tax refund!

Canada is a vast nation, larger in area than the entire European Community! It is therefore important to plan your itinerary carefully. For example, the trip by rail from Toronto to Vancouver takes three (3) days, during which you will experience forest wilderness, open prairie that stretches for kilometres on end, and the mountain majesty of the Canadian Rockies. When you travel in Silver & Blue class, you will be treating yourself to the comfort and luxury of an excursion by rail you will remember for the rest of your life.

As Canada is so vast, the climate can vary considerably from one region to another. The nation's southernmost tip at Point Pelee (Ontario) is situated at the same latitude as parts of northern California. However, the country's northern reaches extend deep into the Arctic. For detailed information on the region or regions of interest to you, check out our weather and climate page.

Canada stretches across a total of six times zones. Localities in Newfoundland and Labrador are five hours thirty minutes ahead of towns and cities in British Columbia. When it is noon in Paris or Frankfurt, clocks read 06:00 in Montréal and 03:00 in Victoria.

English and French are the country's two official languages. French is spoken mainly in Québec, New Brunswick and parts of northern and eastern Ontario, including the nation's capital, Ottawa. If you speak neither of Canada's official languages, you may wish to check out the section on tips for travellers who speak neither English nor French.

Although Canada has officially adhered to the metric system, many Canadians still use the Imperial system when expressing length, weight and volume. Following is a table of standard system equivalents. The use of both systems can be confusing from time to time. When in doubt, ask the person with whom you are dealing, which system he or she is using. Weather reports across the country are in Celsius degrees. Road signs and distances are all metric.

The sale of spirits and wine is regulated and is generally limited to specialty shops open until 19:00. Actual business hours will vary from one province or territory to another. The minimum age required to consume an alcoholic beverage in a public place varies between 18 and 21 years depending upon the province or territory. Check our section on the serving of alcoholic beverages on trains.

Cigarette smoking is prohibited on board all VIA Rail trains and in public places in all major Canadian cities. Those who wish to smoke while travelling with VIA may be able to do so at certain station stops. Please ask onboard personnel for more details.

Although practice varies from one province to the next, dogs are rarely allowed in restaurants. On trains, pets must travel in a cage in the baggage car.

A vast choice of lodging and accommodation is available to visitors: hotels, motels, chalets, campgrounds, holiday packages, home-style bed and breakfasts, etc. It is always preferable to book ahead, especially during peak season.

Plan your holiday on the Internet with Netour, which features a list of establishments in a number of Canada's major centres. Bed & Breakfast Online Canada offers a broad selection of options. Hostelling International-Canada includes a virtual guide of youth hostels. Camping enthusiasts will wish to visit the Camping Canada site.

Canada boasts a wealth of travel treasures waiting to be discovered: breathtaking countryscapes, and some of the finest museums in the world.... In this section, we have prepared a series of Web pages designed to give you an overview of tourist attractions in Canada and the following main regions of the country: Pacific and Rockies, Prairies and Northern Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Atlantic Provinces. To help you better organize your trip, we also present a choice of popular destinations, discovery destinations, as well as travel suggestions for youth and students.

Planning your trip yourself

You may wish to plan your trip yourself by visiting our section on Schedules, fares and reservations. You may also wish to consider a package that includes hotel, transport and tour activities. It is up to you to choose the travel option best suited to your individual needs.