Canada

Language: English, French

 

Capital: Ottawa

 

Population: approx. 32 610 000. 28% - British origin, 23% - French, 15% - other Europeans, 6% - from African, Arabian, Asian countries. 2% - Indians, Eskimo. 26% - mixed origin.

 

Currency: Canadian Dollar

 

Religion: Protestant (English Canada), Catholics (French Canada)

 

 

Those expecting Canada to be a blander version of the USA should check their assumptions at the door. Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbour.

 

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

 

Canada has a deliciously rich culture and it's worth taking time to explore it and view it as distinct from its louder neighbour. Its cultural heritage draws from the traditions of its native peoples, the French influence and English flavours, all manifesting themselves in the work of some amazing writers including Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje, Mordecai Richler and Douglas Coupland, to name a few; world-renowned musicians such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and kd lang; and innovative film makers (Denys Arcand, David Cronenberg and Atom Agoyan, at al) who capture the elusive nature of the Canadian psyche.

 

 

Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for touring, though if you want to ski you'll naturally have to come in winter or early spring. For campers and those who want to visit the far north, the summer months of July and August are best. Summer is also when many of the country's festivals take place. Note that the peak tourist season is between Victoria Day (late May) and Labour Day (early September). Although spring and autumn have fewer crowds, lower prices and a more relaxed pace than the summer months, some visitor-oriented facilities and attractions may be closed during these shoulder seasons.

 

Canada has four distinct seasons, although their arrival times vary across the country. The single most significant factor in climate is latitude. As a rule of thumb, it gets colder the further north you go, so it's no accident that the warmest areas in the south are also the most populated. The western and eastern coasts are both very wet, though much of the rain falls during winter. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba and eastern Alberta the prairies are fairly dry all year. Canadian winters are long and hard: in more than two-thirds of the country, the average January temperature is a shivering -18°C (-0.4°F). July and August are the warmest months, when temperatures in the south are usually in the upper 20°Cs (low 80°Fs).

 

Canada is a relatively safe place to live and travel, with crime rates much lower than in the neighbouring US. Take the obvious, good-sense precautions to avoid being a victim of petty theft by keeping valuables concealed, both on your person and in your car, and avoiding walking alone through dubious areas.

 

However, in Canada you are more likely to get a bit of grief from Mother Nature, with blackflies and mosquitoes incessantly swarming you in the woods at certain times of the year. Blackflies are at their worst from late May through the end of June, while mosquitoes can be a bother from early spring until early fall. Ticks are also an an issue, especially from March to June.

 

Wild animals may be one of Canada's greatest assets, but they can also present a serious danger if you invade their turf. Do your research before you hit the camp grounds, as bear encounters are common. Mountain lions (also called 'cougars' or 'pumas') roam around British Colombia, but they are very solitary and rarely seen. Elk, deer and moose can present a problem when driving, especially at night in rural areas.

 

During winter, when the wind-chill factor is especially high, you'll need to wrap up against frostbite.

 

 

An economic and comfortable way to travel, Canada’s system of intercity bus routes spans the entire country. Greyhound is the largest provider of intercity bus services in Canada with over 1,000 locations in its network. 

 

 

Canada's major airline is Air Canada, providing air transportation nationally and internationally to more than 150 destinations. WestJet offers scheduled service to 33 cities in Canada and the United States, as well as charter operations to more than 20 cities in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Smaller airlines such as CanJet, Air Transat and Air North also connect you to destinations across the country.

 

Direct flights connect the major cities of the globe with the larger Canadian airports, and frequent connecting flights will help you get to any Canadian destination efficiently.

 

 

Touring Canada by train is one of the most elegant ways to see the country. Virtually all of Canada’s major cities are connected by railroad and passenger rail travel is enjoying renewed popularity. From gourmet service in the Rocky Mountaineer’s custom-designed GoldLeaf Dome Coach to a trip back to a gentler era on the vintage cars of the Royal Canadian Pacific, romance of the rails is alive and well in Canada.

Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail, will carry you between most major Canadian cities in comfort. Choose from stylish sleeping cars, parlor coaches, bedrooms and roomettes. VIA rail also offers special rail passes and vacation packages.

 

Canrailpass & North American Rail Pass. VIA Rail offers two types of national rail passes. The Canrailpass gives you 12 days of unlimited rail travel in Canada. With the North American Rail Pass you can travel for 30 days, taking an unlimited number of trips on any VIA train in Canada and on almost any Amtrak train in the United States. For more information on rail passes, visit the VIA Rail website.

 

Return to the golden era of rail travel on a scenic rail tour to some of the most spectacular and inaccessible terrain in the world-from glacial peaks to roaring rivers. You'll savor the views from the panoramic dome cars, taste gourmet meals in first-class style and even board a fleet of luxuriously appointed 1920s-era rail cars, conveyor of royalty, presidents and prime ministers.

 

 

Canada has several car rental companies found at airports and in major towns and cities, including Budget, Discount, Hertz, National, Enterprise and Thrifty, among others. Rates vary depending on the season, type of vehicle and length of rental. The minimum age to rent a vehicle ranges from 21-25 years old. Most companies require renters be at least 25 years of age, or may charge additional fees for those under 25. You must also possess a major credit card. Requirements may vary from province to province. Be sure to reserve your car ahead of time during peak travel times, from mid May to summer.

 

 

Camper and motor home rentals are also widely available. Reserve well ahead of time for the peak summer season. Many provincial and national parks, private campgrounds and other conservation areas in Canada allow you to camp with your RV.

 

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