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Inbound Holiday's would like to ensure you have the best possible experience
while in Canada. In this section we've provided helpful information that our
visitors have appreciated. You may also want to check out our
frequently asked questions.
If you know of a tip we should add here, please send us your feedback at
feedback@inboundholidays.com.
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The climate in Canada varies across the country, and according to the season.
There are four distinct seasons in all regions, but actual temperatures and
humidity vary.
The Maritime provinces, Ontario and Québec are more humid than the western
provinces. Temperatures in Halifax, Nova Scotia range from 0 °C in January to a
very temperate 24 °C in July. Plan on wearing a sweater and light raincoat in
the summer. Québec and Ontario are usually a little colder in the winter and
slightly warmer in the summer.
The greatest variation of temperatures is to be found in the mountains. Mountain
temperatures average from -16°C in the winter to 24°C during the summer.
However, when visiting the Rockies, be sure to have layers of comfortable
clothing available in case of a sudden change in weather conditions (in the
mountains, even summer evenings tend to be cool).
If you are planning on walks or hikes, bring sturdy shoes and a warm jacket. If
you plan to visit the Rockies in the winter, come dressed for snow – make sure
your outer clothing is warm and wind/water repellent.
Vancouver and Victoria rarely experience temperatures below freezing. These
cities enjoy the mildest weather in Canada, averaging 5°C in the winter and 23°C
during the summer. However, an umbrella and raincoat are recommended for
Vancouver year–round–just in case it rains.
The currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Canadian bills are accepted
in denominations of $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00. Coins are in
denominations of $2.00 (called a "toonie"), $1.00 (called a "loonie"), $0.25
(called a "quarter"), $0.10 (called a "dime"), $0.05 (called a "nickel"), and
$0.01 (called a "penny").
We recommend carrying Canadian dollar travellers cheques, as they are
accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants. Most major credit
cards are widely accepted across the country – principally Visa, Mastercard and
American Express.
Currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange
services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the Canadian
chartered banks. The major banks are: Bank of Montréal, Bank of Nova Scotia,
Royal Bank, CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), and Toronto Dominion
Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 1000 hours to 1500 hours, Monday
to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, and as well as
being located at banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations,
variety stores, shopping centres, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere.
Electricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts. Plugs in Canada
are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel
prongs.
A regular–sized letter or postcard mailed within Canada costs $0.48, to the
United States $0.65, and $1.25 to other international destinations (subject to
change). International mail can take up to two weeks for delivery from Canada.
Advance notice and details of any disability will ensure the best possible
assistance from airlines, hotels or transport companies. Many cinemas and
restaurants are happy to assist although not all can cater for several disabled
people or wheelchairs.
Most new buildings provide wheelchair access. Many of the national and
provincial parks have accessible interpretive centres and some of the shorter
nature trails and/or boardwalks have been designed with wheelchairs or
self–propelled mobility aids in mind.
Guides to facilities for the disabled are available from the Canadian
Paraplegic Association. The National Office is located in Ottawa.
For further information, please contact directly – phone: (613)–723–1033 or 1–800–720–4933,
fax: (613)–723–1060.
Provincial sales tax exists in almost every Canadian province. It is added to
the advertised price of consumer goods, restaurant meals and drinks in bars. It
appears as a separate item and is not a service charge or gratuity. Current
applicable taxes are as of 2001 are:
British Columbia 7%
Saskatchewan 6%
Manitoba 7%
Ontario 8%
Québec 7.5%
New Brunswick 8%
Nova Scotia 8%
Prince Edward Island 10%
Newfoundland 8%
Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories do not currently
have taxes of this kind.
Service charges usually are not included on bills in restaurants or bars in
Canada. It is standard practice to tip service personnel 12% to 15% of the bill.
Customary gratuity to tour guides and motorcoach drivers is $1.00 to $2.00 per
person per day. This should be handled on a voluntary, individual basis.
Meter–operated taxicab service is available in all major cities and towns; at
transport terminals; major hotels, and can be hailed in the street. Refer to the
Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Fees include a minimum charge and then
a charge for the distance travelled. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% to
12%. Passengers must wear seatbelts.
All international visitors must clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at the
arrival airport. Visitors will receive customs documents from in–flight
personnel to complete before landing. Once on the ground, retrieve luggage and
follow the directions to the Customs Hall. Visitors will be required to state
what articles they are bringing into Canada, country of origin, their Canadian
destination and their duration of visit in Canada.
When leaving Canada, the regulations of the destination country will apply.
Check with the airline customer service desk if uncertain about any of these
regulations. Pre–clearance facilities for United States–bound travellers are
available at the Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport,
Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Montréal's Dorval Airport and
Halifax International Airport.
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