Our Canada specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Canada inside out.
Practical Information
With the spectacular Rockies to the west and The Great Lakes in the east, Canada’s vastness encompasses a diverse landscape.
Whether it is trekking in the mountains, coming face to face with a bear in the wilderness or spending time with a First Nations community, Canada has something for everyone: spend a day at the Calgary stampede, see polar bears in the Arctic or experience the vibrant city life of Toronto, Ottawa or Vancouver.
Language
There are two official languages in Canada, English and French, although there are many native languages as well. Quebecois French differs from its European source, in style and accent.
Food and drink
In an area as large as Canada and Alaska the cuisine varies widely from region to region. Cities are hugely cosmopolitan, with all the cuisines of the world represented, and in urban centres such as Montréal there are plenty of restaurants putting a North American twist on their Gallic heritage.
The Pacific coast has developed its own Pacific Rim Fusion Cuisine, while the Atlantic regions have access to some of the world's freshest and largest lobsters amongst a wealth of other seafood. Inland meals are more likely to be made up of locally-raised meats, with barbecues and steaks a traditional favourite; servings are often generous.
North American breakfasts can be a real highlight and will often include eggs, pancakes and maple syrup or continental breakfasts that involve great spreads of cheeses, patés and hams.
Money and expenses
The official currency is the Canadian Dollar. Canadian Dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged at all major banks, international airport and foreign exchange bureau points. Some shops will also accept them as long as they are presented with your passport.
All major credit cards are widely accepted and you will also be able to access Canadian currency from ATM machines as long as you have your four digit pin-code.
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% is applied to most purchases, including food and beverages, throughout the country and is not included in the price advertised; this will be added at the point of sale. Most provinces also charge a Provincial Sales Tax which varies between each province but is never more than 10%, this is also added at the point of sale.
Under The Skin
Read
'Blind Assassin' by Margaret Aywood and 'In the Skin of a Lion' by Micheal Ondaatje, are both set in Canada in the 1930's.
Listen
Ron Sexsmith, Cowboy Junkies, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young.
Watch
Bruce Macdonald's 'Dance me Outside', about contemporary Native Indian life.
Eat
Oka cheese from Quebec or maple syrup.
Word
Parlez-vous anglais (Do you speak English?).
Trademarks
Moose, bears, the Rockies, smoked salmon, Bryan Adams, maple syrup, float planes, ice hockey.
