Official Website: www.travelcanada.ca
CIA Background
Notes: A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada
became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the
British crown. Economically and technologically, the nation has
developed in parallel with the US, its southern neighbor across an
unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting
public demands for quality improvements in health care and education
services, as well as responding to separatist concerns in
predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its
diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the
environment.
Climate: Highly varied, from temperate in the south to sub
arctic and arctic in the north.
Dress:
What you wear depends on geographic location and time of year.
Driving:
A valid US driver's license is
accepted. Driving is on the right side of the road, as in the US, but
distances and speeds are calculated in kilometers. In Quebec, signs
may sometimes be posted only in French. US auto insurance is accepted
in Canada for tourists; get a Canadian insurance card from your
insurance company prior to your visit.
Electricity: Voltage is 110
at 60 hertz, as in the U. S.
Language:
English and French are the official languages. English is spoken by
nearly 60% of the population; French by 23%.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: A 7% nationwide goods and services tax is applied to
most purchases. Individual provinces add a tax of their own, which
varies as to percentage amount and the types of goods affected. In
addition, most destinations impose a hotel room tax which varies from
8-10%. Keep your receipts, because non-residents can obtain a GST
refund on many purchases leaving the country. For more details go
here.
~ Sometimes a service charge is included on the restaurant bill; if it
isn't, tip as you would in the US.
Time Zone:
Canada uses 6 time zones, most of which are the same as those
in the US. From west to east, the zones are: Pacific, Mountain,
Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland.
Geographic
Coordinates: 60 00 N,
95 00 W
Notes: Canada is
the second-largest country in the world (after Russia). It has a
strategic location between Russia and the US via the north polar
route. Approximately 90% of Canada's population is concentrated within
100 miles of the US border.
»» Back to index of Canadian destinations
»» Comprehensive overview of Canada's
provinces and territories
More Info:
Canadian
Tourism website
